The Cincinnati Bengals got one of the best possible free-agency steals with safety Vonn Bell.
Bell’s already been a standout leader when it comes to COVID-19. And during his first media meet of training camp, he explained to reporters that his decision to sign with the Bengals came down to culture and Zac Taylor.
Here’s the important note, via Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com:
“He wants a ferocious team. He wants guys who are hungry and guys that come to work every day and challenge and compete. That’s the main things in this game. That’s what you have to do every day in practice, and it carries on off the field, too, because you’re competing with yourself, taking care of your body and the playbook and guys showing leadership in the locker room.”
Bell was the type of player Taylor and Co. targeted this offseason: He’s a very vocal, lead-by-example sort of leader. He’s been a team captain. He’s had plenty of pro success, even in the postseason.
And now Bell’s clearly taking a leadership role on the overhauled defense. Even comments like these, where he’s describing how to prep away from the field itself, have a way of spreading in a locker room quickly.
Such comments are a testament to Taylor’s sales pitch to free agents, not just the fact the front office was willing to open up the vault. While Bell’s on-field contributions won’t be known for a while, it’s clear he’s already having a big impact.
