New Orleans Saints: 5 offseason needs in 2020

3. Re-sign SS Vonn Bell

It’s safe to say his forte is not pass coverage. But 2019 proved to be a breakout year for Saints strong safety Vonn Bell. The 2016 second-round pick from Ohio State rolled up impressive numbers and showed a nose for the football all year. Despite missing three games, he finished second on the team with 86 tackles, to go along with one interception, 1.5 sacks and five passes defensed. He also led the NFL with five defensive fumble recoveries. In the team’s disappointing 26-20 overtime loss to the Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs, he landed yet another takeaway courtesy of a fumble by Minnesota’s Adam Thielen.

In four seasons, Bell has finished second, first, second and second, respectively, in tackles for the club. While he’s picked off only one pass, the physical defender has eight sacks, 14 passes defensed and an equal amount of forced fumbles and fumble recoveries (seven). Add in the fact that he’s made his share of stops on special teams and the former Buckeye is a tone-setter that the Saints’ defense really can’t afford to lose.

Of course, you’re not going to find the four-year veteran near the top of list of safeties via Pro Football Focus (subscription required). That has to do with the fact that his grades in terms of pass coverage are less than stellar. In terms of stopping the run, he’s PFF’s No. 2 player at his position and a big reason Sean Payton’s club ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing defense in 2019.