Like many teams around the league, the Cowboys sent a strong message in free agency. However, they did not add a large number of players or keep most of their own players. What is clear for the Cowboys is that they are willing to give opportunities to the young players on the team.
There are a number of players on this roster who are still on their rookie contracts but have yet to have a breakout season. Maybe this year too? There's only hope for the Cowboys, especially considering they only signed one player in free agency (Eric Kendricks) and only have six picks in the NFL Draft later this month.
Therefore, the Cowboys will have to rely on some past draft and free agent signings to fill out this roster.
Today we continue our series on safety Marquez Bell.
- name: Marquez Bell
- position: safety
- experience: 3rd Year
- Games played/started: 22/8
- Remaining years of contract: 1
- how to get: UDFA 2022 (Florida A&M)
- Key statistics: Bell had a career-high 10 tackles in a game in 2023 against Philadelphia, Carolina and Detroit.
past: Bell was one of 30 players the team brought in in 2022, proving the Cowboys are using the “30 visits” to explore different options. . He was not drafted, but signed as a free agent after the draft. We have each formed a team for the past two years. Bell played safety at Florida A&M, but was used in a more hybrid role at linebacker, particularly on passing downs last year. Bell was second on the team with 103 tackles, behind Damone Clarke (115).
the current: The Cowboys haven't made any bold announcements regarding player placement. And that wouldn't normally be something new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer would want to discuss at this time of year. However, there has been enough discussion about Bell that he will likely be moved back to safety from the linebacker role he played in Dan Quinn's scheme. The Cowboys likely won't re-sign Jaylon Kearse, one of the last remaining unsigned free agents, leaving a void for a versatile safety who can play a player closer to the line of scrimmage. Bell should have the opportunity to compete for playing time in a crowded safety room with veterans Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, Juane Thomas, Israel Mukuamu and Bell.
future: This year is the final year of Bell's contract, but he will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Because Bell was undrafted, the Cowboys could only receive compensation for losing Bell if they made a second-round or first-round tender. His initial draft tender gives him a chance to match any offer sheet, but if he goes undrafted and signs elsewhere, he won't receive a draft pick in return. However, the second-round bid in 2025 should be around $4.9 million, and the first-round bid should be $6.9 million. I mean, it's still a year away from him, but he's another example of how important it is for players like Bell to perform at a high level this year. Normally, the Cowboys would try to avoid restricted free agency, especially with undrafted players, and try to sign long-term deals instead of paying one-year tenders.
