Cowboys Pressed for “Hybrid” Trade The 25-year-old ex-starter

According to one observer, the Dallas Cowboys ought to think about dealing one young, important starter.

Markquese Bell, a safety and linebacker for the Cowboys, is one of the players whom Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport believes each club should think about moving before the 2024 season. After switching from safety to linebacker last season, Bell started 12 games and was second on the team in tackles (94), despite having started his career as a safety.

The 25-year-old, according to Davenport, was exposed during the team’s 48-32 playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys’ third-highest totals in a single game this season were 415 total yards and 143 rushing yards let up by the defense in the defeat.

According to Davenport, Bell “played in all 17 games, making eight starts and totaling 94 tackles.” “But a Green Bay team that shredded Dallas on the ground exposed both Bell’s size and inexperience in the Cowboys’ playoff loss against the Packers.”

Reasons for Projecting Markquese Bell to Be the Cowboys’ Backup in 2024
Despite playing 61% of the defensive snaps in the previous campaign, Bell, a third-year player, doesn’t appear to have a clear path to playing time this year. Aside from the claim that he was exposed in the team’s playoff defeat to the Packers, Bell is projected to return to his native position of safety and serve as a backup.

Veterans Malik Hooker (a Dallas member since 2019) and Donovan Wilson (a member of the Cowboys since

2021 season) are anticipated to start this season at safety.

The Cowboys intend to transfer Bell back to his more natural position of safety now that that position has been solidified, according to Davenport. However, Dallas still has two reliable starters in Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker despite the departure of Jayron Kearse. Bell’s route to meaningful playing time with the Cowboys might not be obvious.

Commanders Selected as Markquese Bell’s Potential Landing Location
Bell actually had a very successful season during the entire 2023 campaign. Bell recorded a 79.9 defensive grade and an 87.6 coverage grade, according Pro Football Focus. Todd Brock of Cowboys Wire pointed out that he was among the top scorers with those grades.Bell’s adaptability as a “hybrid” player—including Dan Quinn, the former defensive coordinator for the Cowboys who currently serves as the head coach of the Washington Commanders—writes Davenport.