In a move that solidifies the future of their defensive backfield, the Dallas Cowboys have signed S Markquese Bell to a 3-year contract worth $9 million in total with $6.2M guaranteed.
There are incentives laid into Bell’s contract that can earn him an extra $1.5M over the course of his contract.
This extension is a testament to the faith the team has in Bell’s potential, as well as his growth as a key contributor to their defense.
While Bell’s journey to this moment is remarkable, it highlights the Cowboys’ ability to identify hidden talent and develop it into a major asset. We have seen Will McClay’s team identify undrafted talent several times before.
Church Bells
Church bells are often a comforting sound to hear for many people, but don’t tell that to wide receivers coming across the middle of the field.
When Markquese Bell is lurking from his safety spot, wide receivers better have their head on a swivel because he has built a reputation for big hits during his short time in the league.
Bell has one very productive season on defense (2023) sandwiched between two seasons where he mostly played special teams. In his sophomore season, his development exploded.
He became a key piece of former DC Dan Quinn’s defense, but what’s more impressive is that it wasn’t at safety. It was at linebacker.
Due to injuries at linebacker, Quinn recognized Bell’s talents, and though undersized, stepped in at linebacker in sub-packages, and sometimes in base defense.
Bell recorded 94 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles in a career-high 61% of the defensive snaps.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Markquese Bell’s rise on the Cowboys’ defense has been anything but conventional. The 6’2″, 205lb safety went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, despite a standout career at Florida A&M University.
Bell showcased incredible athleticism and playmaking ability during his college years, but he was overlooked by many teams for a variety of reasons.
His lack of exposure at a Power 5 school and some perceived inconsistencies in his play led to him not hearing his name called during the draft.
However, Bell’s story is one of persistence. The Cowboys saw past the doubts and brought him in as an undrafted free agent, offering him a chance to prove himself.
It didn’t take long for Bell to make an impact.
A Bright Future
The decision to extend Bell with a 3yr/$14M contract is a significant one for the Cowboys.
It not only rewards Bell for his hard work and talent but also signals the team’s commitment to keeping a young, dynamic player on their roster for the long term.
For the Cowboys’ front office, the contract is a clear signal that they believe Bell is on the cusp of stardom and can be a cornerstone of their defense moving forward.
In many ways, Bell represents a new era for the Cowboys’ defense.
He, along with fellow undrafted S Juanyeh Thomas, will be given every opportunity to win the starting safety jobs over incumbents Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker.
Wilson and Hooker were both draft picks, Hooker in the 1st round. The success of undrafted players like Bell highlights the growing importance of developing young, raw talent.
The Cowboys have historically been a team that can draft well, but Bell’s success shows their scouting department is equally adept at identifying and nurturing talent outside the draft process.
Bell’s $14 million contract is not only a reward for his hard work, but it’s also a testament to his growth and the value he brings to the team.
For a player who was once overlooked, it is a recognition of his status as a rising star on the Cowboys’ defense. His blend of speed, size, and instincts makes him a perfect candidate for further development.
The Cowboys made an investment in their future, and this one should be a bright one.