5 dream free-agent targets for the Carolina Panthers in 2023

Carolina Panthers could target Vonn Bell

• Safety | Cincinnati Bengals

Vonn Bell and Jeremy Chinn could be a Batman and Robin duo at the safety position. Xavier Woods looks the part and should be a good addition to the Carolina Panthers this year, but whether he can become the team’s long-term option remains to be seen.

Bell led an overachieving Cincinnati Bengals defense to the Super Bowl. He was instrumental to their run stopping, which was the catalyst behind outstanding victories over the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs en route to a shock AFC Championship triumph.

The former second-round pick out of Ohio State played 638 coverage snaps in 2021, earning a 78.0 grade from Pro Football Focus along with 73 solo tackles. Cincinnati used the franchise tag on Jessie Bates this offseason to prevent him from leaving and this might be an option they consider with Bell if a new deal doesn’t come to fruition.

The addition of Bell could allow Chinn to stay in the box more where he thrived in his rookie year. If Woods performs well, then it might lead the Southern Illinois standout back to an outside linebacker role long-term.

This is a big season ahead for Bell, who can make himself a ton of money with any further improvements. However, the Panthers might have far bigger needs than bolstering the backend next spring.