Bengals Free Agency Notes: Addressing Safety After Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell's Departure

Will Cincinnati add another safety in free agency?

CINCINNATI — The Bengals lost two key pieces on defense on Monday, with Jessie Bates agreeing to a 4-year, $64.02 million contract with the Falcons. 

He made the move to the AFC South a few hours after Vonn Bell agreed to a 3-year, $22 million contract with the Panthers. 

That puts Dax Hill in prime position to start at safety next season. The Bengals are banking on the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to step up and have a large role as he enters his second season. 

The Bengals plan to add a veteran safety in free agency. A move could come as soon as Tuesday and it's certainly something they want to address. They like Hill and believe Tycen Anderson could make an impact in his second season, but they want to add experience on that back end. 

The Bengals are projected to get third and fifth round compensatory picks next offseason following the departures of Bell and Bates. Addressing safety and other needs, without giving up their third round compensatory pick. 

John Johnson III could be an interesting option to replace Bell and he wouldn't impact compensatory picks because he was released by the Browns. 

Juan Thornhill, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Jordan Poyer are other top free agent options that are still available. 

Cincinnati is in "win-now" mode, but if they can keep a high-end compensatory pick and add to their roster, they're going to do it. 

Right now Michael Thomas, Hill and Anderson are the only safeties on the roster. Expect that to change in the near future. 

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Scouting Report: Does Michael Mayer Fit In The Bengals Offense?

Report: Bengals Upgrading Training Room At Paycor Stadium

Lamar Jackson's Uncertain Future Could Impact Bengals' Negotiations With Joe Burrow

Report: Bengals Set Up Top-30 Visit With Ohio State Offensive Tackle Dawand Jones

Full List of Players Cincinnati Bengals Met With During 2023 NFL Combine

Look: NBA Star Luka Doncic Gives Ja'Marr Chase Signed Jersey At Mavericks-Suns Game

Four Cincinnati Bengals Targets That Boosted Their Stock at 2023 NFL Combine

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Should Bengals Target UCLA Running Back Zach Charbonnet?

Germaine Pratt Comments On Playing Time Again As Free Agency Approaches

Taylor Lewan Wants to Block for Joe Burrow: 'I Know the Bengals Need a Left Tackle'

ESPN's Bill Barnwell Says Signing Jessie Bates III Should Be Bengals First Key Offseason Move

Bengals Select Oklahoma Offensive Tackle Anton Harrison In Draft Network, PFF Mock Drafts

Watch: NFL Picks Out Bengals 10 Best Plays From 2022-23 Season

Trey Wingo Shares Joe Burrow Story Portraying His Steely Mentality Dating Back To Grade School

Tight End or Cornerback Could Make Sense For Bengals in Round One of 2023 NFL Draft

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel

Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like Our FaceBook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok