September 16, 2024

Bengals Hoping to Cap Off Eventful Free Agency Period With Two Big Additions

PFF predicts big contracts for 5 Bengals free agents - Cincy Jungle

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are hosting offensive tackle Mekhi Becton and defensive tackle Teair Tart for free agent visits on Thursday night.

There’s optimism that the team can come to an agreement with both veterans.

Becton has a natural connection with the team. Offensive line coach Frank Pollack helped draft him when he was on the Jets coaching staff in 2020. Becton had his best year under Pollack and a reunion could happen in Cincinnati.

The Bengals have thought highly of Tart over the past few seasons. They’ve had to deal with the Tennessee defensive front at least once in each of the past four years, which means the staff has watched plenty of the Titans’ game film.

Tart has played against Cincinnati twice, including the Titans 27-3 win over the Bengals last October. He had three quarterback hits and made life tough on Joe Burrow.

If the Bengals can add Becton and Tart, it would solidify what has been a busy week for Cincinnati in their quest to get back to the Super Bowl.

They’ve already signed Zack Moss, Mike Gesicki and Geno Stone. Vonn Bell and Sheldon Rankins are on the way. They’re hoping to add Tart and Becton to that list.

Free-agent safety Vonn Bell agrees to return to Cincinnati Bengals

March 14 (UPI) — Free agent safety Vonn Bell, who was released by the Carolina Panthers, agreed to return to the Cincinnati Bengals, agent David Canter announced Thursday.

The Panthers, who released Bell on Thursday, are responsible for paying his $6 million guaranteed salary in 2024. He will receive a minimum, one-year contract from the Bengals.

Bell, 29, played for the Bengals from 2020 through 2022. He signed a three-year, $22 million contract with the Panthers last March. Bell totaled 69 combined tackles, 42 solo takedowns, two passes defensed and an interception in 13 starts in 2023.

The eight-year veteran averaged 96 combined tackles, 61 solo tackles, seven passes defensed, 2.7 forced fumbles, 1.7 interceptions, 1.3 fumble recoveries and 0.5 sack over his three seasons with the Bengals. He also missed just two of 50 starting opportunities during that span.

Bell, a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, spent his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

The Bengals, who released safety Nick Scott on Wednesday, also agreed to terms with former Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone earlier this week. Dax Hill, Jordan Battle and Tycen Anderson are among the other safeties on the Bengals roster.

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