The Carolina Panthers’ first strike during Monday’s opening of the legal tampering period got them a former New Orleans Saint . . . and so will their second.
As first reported by NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Panthers will be signing safety Vonn Bell. Bell, a former second-round draft pick by New Orleans, has played the last three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Vonn Bell is going to the #Panthers, per me and @TomPelissero
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023
Bell, an Ohio State University standout, was taken by the Saints with the 61st overall selection in 2016. He spent four seasons in the NFC South—recording 348 combined tackles (26 for a loss), 9.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and an interception.
The veteran defender then signed with the Bengals on a three-year, $18 million deal in 2020. He proceeded to notch career-highs for combined tackles (114) in 2020, forced fumbles (three) in 2020 and 2021 and interceptions (four) in 2022.
With defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s system heavily reliant on its defensive backs, Bell will certainly be a valued addition to the secondary.
