[jwplayer 7muryDs1-ThvAeFxT]
Many key members of the New Orleans Saints starting lineup are readying to test the market in free agency this offseason, including all three quarterbacks (Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater will be unrestricted free agents, while Taysom Hill’s situation gives the Saints more control) and two-time Pro Bowl left guard Andrus Peat. But the defense figures to take the heaviest hits, with starters such as defensive tackle David Onyemata, linebacker A.J. Klein, cornerbacks Eli Apple and P.J. Williams, and safety Vonn Bell each headed for free agency.
Bell appeared on the RapSheet + Friends podcast with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport to discuss his plans for his first contract extension. The starting strong safety missed three games with injury late in December but still finished the year having played the fifth-most defensive snaps (871), just trailing defensive end Cameron Jordan (876). He otherwise didn’t miss a snap all season except for a handful of plays back in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, remaining on the field for 98.3% of plays.
When asked what his hopes for as he prepares to test the market, Bell answered that he’d love nothing more than to return to the Saints. But he also acknowledged that it’s possible he ends up joining a squad. And if he had his pick, he’d want to join an established winner: “You always want to go to a contender, someone who has great culture. You want a chance at the big dance.”
It’ll be fascinating to see where Bell lands. He finally broke out in his fourth season, having previously played as a part-time starter in 2018 (splitting time with Kurt Coleman) as well as 2017 and 2016 (next to Kenny Vaccaro). Bell led the NFL’s defenders with 5 fumble recoveries last year and also logged his first career interception. Weakside linebacker Demario Davis was the only teammate to record more solo tackles (87) than Bell (63).
The market is very much in flux for safeties who aren’t ball hawks, however. While playmakers like Eddie Jackson, Kevin Byard, and Tyrann Mathieu each reel in $14 million or more per year, box safeties like Bell who are steady tacklers but more sporadic in producing turnovers (such as Tony Jefferson, Tashawn Gipson, and Eric Reid) top out closer to $8.5 million. While Bell did turn in a good year for the Saints and should be rewarded for his efforts, it’s not likely he’ll be resetting the market for strong safeties. But even that may be more than the Saints are willing to commit to him with a logical replacement already on hand in dynamic rookie C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
[vertical-gallery id=28191]