The Cincinnati Bengals’ need at safety is bigger than you may realize.
Not only do they have Jessie Bates III potentially playing on the franchise tag this season, but Vonn Bell is entering the final year of his contract. If they are able to work out a long-term deal with Bates, it will cost them a pretty penny.
That could spell the end of Bell’s time in Cincinnati, because how much money would they be willing to spend at the safety position?
The Bengals value versatility in their defenders. If they can find a player with range and coverage skills that are comparable to Bates and the linebacker mentality of Bell, they would set themselves up nicely for the future, no matter which veteran returns in 2023.