6 Cowboys Already on the Chopping Block Before OTAs

2. Israel Mukuamu, Safety

Due to depth concerns at linebacker in 2023, Markquese Bell moved from safety to linebacker and wasn't bad in this role. The former undrafted free agent from Florida A&M played in all 17 games and had 94 tackles with three going for a loss. He added four pass defenses and had two forced fumbles.

In the playoffs, however, Jordan Love singled out Bell as someone who the Green Bay Packers intentionally targeted in the running game. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder gave up a lot of size in the ground game which is why new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is expected to turn to more traditional linebackers.

Zimmer will employ Eric Kendricks, who worked with him during their time with the Minnesota Vikings. He also has rookie Marist Liufau and second-year player DeMarvion Overshown who missed his entire rookie campaign due to injury.

That trio has led to Bell being listed as a safety again on the team's official website which is bad news for fourth-year player Israel Mukuamu.

A cornerback at South Carolina, Mukuamu moved to safety after the Cowboys selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In three years, Mukuamu has appeared in 33 games with 23 tackles, two pass defenses, and one interception. He's proven to be a decent option not only at safety but also in the slot.

Despite his promise, Mukuamu plays in a crowded secondary and had just 75 snaps in the base defense last year. With Bell now returning to safety where he joins Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, and Juanyeh Thomas, it could be the end of the line for Mukuamu.