Bengals hosting free agent at position of need
The work to replace Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates is well underway.
Amidst all the hoopla of signing left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., the Cincinnati Bengals still need a veteran safety.
One potential answer is free agent Nick Scott, who is visiting the team today per NFL Media's Mike Garafolo.
Scott, a seventh-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, has been with the Los Angeles Rams for his entire four-year career. He spent most of his first two seasons as a reserve before earning an expanded role in 2021 during the Rams' run to Super Bowl LVI, in which they beat the Bengals for the Lombardi Trophy.
The 27-year old became a full-time starter this past season. He recorded 86 tackles and two interceptions in 984 snaps (16 starts).
Scott's best attribute is his tackling. He's consistently graded high in that area according to Pro Football Focus, and it's something the Bengals value highly from a safety. They'll need a sure tackler to replace Vonn Bell, who left for a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers this week.
Scott's visit may or may not turn into a signing for the Bengals, but this does confirm their interest in adding a veteran safety. Along with Bell, the Bengals saw Jessie Bates III expectedly leave in free agency. Last year's first-round pick Dax Hill is Bates' projected replacement.
