New Orleans Saints: If Vonn Bell leaves, it may be a blessing in disguise

The bulk of major free agency moves are over, but New Orleans Saints’ safety Vonn Bell is one that’s yet to confirm where he’ll spend 2020 at.

Let’s make something clear: We do not want Vonn Bell to leave. But, after spending money to hold steady one of the best units in the league in their offensive line, add a force on the edge, and re-sign New Orleans Saints’ star quarterback Drew Brees, money will be tight.

The Saints may not have the money to re-sign Vonn Bell. Who knows what his market could be, but it’s extremely likely that he’ll be making at least $5 million next season. Bell leaving could mean the team, for the first time in a while, is awarded compensatory picks.

When breaking down Eli Apple’s contract, Saints Wire’s John Sigler broke down the team’s current situation.

"For now, we’re conservatively predicting that the Saints will be awarded a third-round pick in 2021 for Bridgewater, while sixth-round selections for Klein and Apple will be wiped out by the signings of Sanders and Jenkins. Keep an eye out for Vonn Bell’s landing spot, which should also qualify for a compensatory pick in next year’s draft."

Bell’s signing elsewhere could mean the Saints are awarded comp picks as a few of their star players like Teddy Bridgewater have found large contracts elsewhere. Being able to snag those picks would definitely be a silver lining to losing Bell.

Bridgewater, who signed for over $20 million per year with the Panthers, would be valued at a third-round pick. Then, as Sigler noted, Apple and Klein’s exodus would also be valued for comp picks as well.

With a cap-strapped team that will only become worse in the coming years with Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore looking at new deals this coming offseason, the additional picks would be crucial for the Saints if they wish to continue as the NFC South’s best team.

Bell, a four-year veteran, has secured over 80 tackles in each of his first four seasons. Only missing a few games this past season, Bell has been absent in a grand total of three games throughout those first four seasons.

Continually improving as a ballhawk and tackler, Bell has done well in the Big Easy, and with the re-signing of DJ Swearinger and the signing of Malcolm Jenkins, it wouldn’t be surprising if Bell has played his final snaps in New Orleans.