Newly Released Safety Could Be Target For Chargers

Could the Chargers make a move on this veteran safety?

NFL free agency has been fast and furious these first couple of hours. Star players have found new homes, and many players are still on the market looking for new homes. 

The Chargers have yet to make any signings. However, that could all change any minute now. It's clear the Chargers need to improve their secondary safety position, and one ideal target became available. 

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Carolina Panthers are releasing veteran safety Vonn Bell. Bell is now a free agent and can choose a team of his liking. Can the Chargers emerge as a potential landing stop for the Bolts? Maybe. 

Panthers are releasing S Vonn Bell, according to league source and as first reported by @TomPelissero.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 11, 2024

Bell signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract with the Panthers last offseason. 

Bell is 29 years old and has playoff experience, especially with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he spent three seasons from 2020-2022. In back-to-back seasons, he played an integral part in the Bengals' trip to the Super Bowl and AFC Championship.

According to PFF, in his lone season with the Panthers, he had an overall grade of 63.9 and excelled in the pass rush category with a grade of 68.2. He recorded 51 total tackles, and one interception, and allowed 15 receptions on 19 targets. Now, he was on the worst team in the league, so that must have played a huge factor in that stats category. 

He's stayed relatively healthy throughout his career and has come up big when needed; however, I believe the move is to go younger for the Bolts. It's a big reason they should let Alohi Gilman walk this free agency, even though he is three years younger. With this new coaching staff, the Bolts need some young players on their roster. 

If they want to go the veteran route, a return of Gilman will better suit the team due to familiarity and age.