Sources: Bengals Adding Familiar Face in Free Agency

The Bengals are reuniting with safety Vonn Bell, league sources tell All Bengals. Cincinnati plans to sign the veteran to a one-year contract. 

The Panthers officially cut safety Bell on Wednesday. Cincinnati was open to a reunion in hopes of adding veteran leadership to a young secondary. 

Bell spent three seasons in Cincinnati (2020-22), helping them reach back-to-back AFC Championship Games and Super Bowl LVI. He knows the system, has defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's trust and should be able to help Dax Hill, Jordan Battle Tycen Anderson and newly signed safety Geno Stone.

Bell signed a three-year contract with the Panthers last offseason, but finds himself on the free agent market after spending just one season in Carolina. 

The 29-year-old had 69 tackles and one interception in 13 games last season. He made 48 regular season starts (16 per season) in three years with the Bengals, compiling 288 tackles and five interceptions.

The deal isn't finalized, but all signs point to it getting done and Bell reuniting with Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson and a Bengals' defense that's hoping to rebound after a disappointing 2023 season.