Entering his fourth season in the NFL, former Florida A&M All-American Markquese Bell has signed a three-year contract extension worth upwards of $12 million with the Dallas Cowboys.
According to Dallas Cowboys writer Patrik Walker, this deal keeps Bell out of the open market as a restricted free agent.
After going undrafted as part of the 2022 NFL Draft, Bell signed an undrafted free-agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
Seeing limited action as a rookie, playing in just five games and recording a tackle, he got a chance to play more defensive snaps in his sophomore season as the Cowboys dealt with injuries.
Bell took full advantage of the opportunity, recording 94 total tackles (second on the team), 3.0 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles (second on the team).
His play during the 2023 season earned him the honor of being named the HBCU Spotlight Player of the Year at the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration.
In 2024, he returned to playing primarily on special teams before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in the team’s Week 11 contest against the Houston Texans.
Beginning his college career at Coffeyville Community College, Bell transferred to Florida A&M in 2019, having a profound impact on the team in his two seasons.
He was named to the All-Conference team each season, including being named an FCS All-American in 2021.
The Rattlers’ defender finished with 156 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, six interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and seven forced fumbles.
