March 11, 2025
The undrafted former Florida A&M College (FAMU) soccer participant inked a three-year settlement for greater than $12 million
Markquese Bell, an undrafted former Florida A&M College (FAMU) soccer participant, has simply been given a contract extension to stick with the Dallas Cowboys.
The NFL crew introduced that Bell, a restricted free agent, signed a reported three-year settlement for greater than $12 million. Bell didn’t have to buy his providers because the crew confirmed curiosity in not letting him get away, though he suffered a season-ending shoulder harm final season.
The previous HBCU pupil went undrafted however was in a position to latch onto the Cowboys as a observe squad security in 2023. He made the roster when the crew moved him into the linebacker place. Bell was then moved again to the security function in 2024. His versatility additionally permits him for use on particular groups.
In accordance with HBCU Gameday, Bell joined the FAMU soccer squad after transferring from the College of Maryland in 2019. Whereas taking part in for FAMU in 2021, Bell’s stats have been 95 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and one interception over 12 video games as a starter. His play earned him first-team all-conference honors. Nonetheless, regardless of his accomplishments on the Florida college, no NFL groups drafted Bell in 2022. He was in a position to develop into a Cowboys participant as a free agent.
Though he made the crew in 2022, his play was restricted. He solely appeared in 5 video games and recorded just one deal with for the season. However he made a much bigger impression the subsequent yr whereas taking part in in each sport. The crew used him within the linebacker place, switching from his function as a security. He began eight video games for the Cowboys in his new function whereas taking part in in all 17 contests.
He made 94 tackles (60 of them solo tackles), 4 cross deflections, and two pressured fumbles whereas serving to the crew win the NFC East title in 2023. The NFL honored his play by awarding him the HBCU Highlight Participant of the 12 months award for the yr.