While the Cowboys weren't exactly quiet during free agency this spring, there is still plenty of work to do for this team that finished 7-10 in 2024.
Not only did they add some key players in free agency and via trades, but they also re-signed some of the core depth as well.
Still, there are other guys on this team that must take that next step in order for the Cowboys to be successful in 2025.
Today, we'll continue the Next Man Up series with safety Markquese Bell.
- Name: Markquese Bell
- Position: Safety
- Experience: 2nd Year
- Games Played/Starts: 31 / 8
- Years Left on Contract: 3
- How Acquired: UDFA 2022 (Florida A&M)
- Key Stat: Bell had 102 tackles during the 2023 season, playing in a linebacker role.
The Past: Despite not getting drafted in 2022, Bell was considered one of the prize-signings post-draft by the Cowboys, who have always had success in finding rookie free agents. Bell was considered the next big addition from that group and he hasn't disappointed. Not only has he made the team the last three years, but did enough to get a new contract this offseason. He's played 31 games with eight starts, mostly coming in 2023 when Dan Quinn used Bell in more of a hybrid-linebacker role. That year, Bell racked up 102 tackles as he played closer to the line of scrimmage. This past season was used more of a traditional safety, but he played in just nine games because of injuries.
The Present: Like with most players when a new coaching staff comes in, the jury is out on Bell's specific role with the defense. We haven't been able to see how new DC Matt Eberflus will utilize Bell, but one thing seems pretty clear – he will at least have a bigger role this year. The reason for that is simply the fact the Cowboys chose to re-sign him to a three-year contract, avoiding restricted free agency with Bell, who is expected to earn anywhere from $9 million to $12 million with this contract, depending on his play-time and other incentives. But the Cowboys seem to have a bigger vision for Bell, perhaps in a similar way to what we saw two years ago when he surpassed the 100-tackle mark.
The Future: There might be other positions on the team that are deemed to be more intriguing, but safety should at least be in the mix, mainly because of the depth in numbers the Cowboys have accumulated at safety. Giving Bell a three-year deal suggests he's a big part of the plans. But let's not forget Juanyeh Thomas and Israel Mukuamu were both re-signed and those are just the projected backups behind Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, who both signed new contracts in the last two years. Bell getting the most recent three-year deal is a sign that he will compete for a starting job and should have a role that will keep him on the field both on defense and special teams. He's got tackling ability like a linebacker with speed and size of a safety. That could be a dangerous combination for mismatches. But Bell also has to make sure he can shed blocks when he's in the trenches and meets up with the oversized offensive linemen. Finding the role for Bell will be something to watch this offseason but the Cowboys have at least showed part of their hand – with the contact – that it's a bigger priority this year.
