Bengals players already recruiting a potential Vonn Bell replacement
Free agency recruiting is in the works for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Life moves fast, and NFL free agency moves even faster.
The Cincinnati Bengals are losing at least one safety in Vonn Bell. The veteran is signing with the Carolina Panthers.
A couple members of Cincinnati's secondary are already eyeing a replacement for Bell.
Cornerback Mike Hilton reached out to Philadelphia Eagles free agent defensive back Chauncey Garner-Johnson over Twitter about taking Bell's spot and signing with the Bengals.
Fellow Bengals corner Cam Taylor-Britt and defensive tackle Zach Carter joined in on the fun as well.
Hilton has been one of the Bengals' biggest public recruiters for free agents since signing as a free agent himself back in 2021. The slot corner is still under contract for two more seasons.
As far as the guy Hilton reached out to, Gardner-Johnson would be an ideal replacement for Bell. The former fourth-round draft pick out of Florida spent his first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints before the Philadelphia Eagles traded for him. CGJ played all over the secondary for the Eagles on their way to winning an NFC Championship.
Gardner-Johnson has always been a solid player with an interesting reputation attached to him. In 2020, he was punched by Chicago Bears wideout Javon Wims on the field after ripping Wims' mouthpiece away from him. He has a feistiness to him, and the Bengals would value that.
There's still a good chance Gardner-Johnson re-signs with the Eagles, especially with a "strong offer" on the table for him to return.
The Bengals would be wise to get in the mix as well.
