6 Cowboys Defenders on the Chopping Block if Dan Quinn Leaves

4. Markquese Bell, LB/S

A former undrafted free agent, Markquese Bell has always had a fan in Dan Quinn. The Dallas defensive coordinator followed Bell throughout his career at Florida A&M and wasn't shy about his belief that he could be a real player. In his second season, Bell got a chance to prove Quinn right as he was on the field for 61 percent of the defensive snaps this year.

Bell, who was a safety in college as well as during his rookie campaign, spent much of that time playing linebacker. With Leighton Vander Esch injured during the season and rookie DeMarvion Overshown going down in the preseason, Quinn tasked Bell with playing the same hybrid role he had Keanu Neal occupy in 2021.

Overall, Bell succeeded in this role. He finished with 94 tackles, four pass defenses, and two forced fumbles. However, there's no guarantee he would play in a similar role under another defensive coordinator. Perhaps he can move to a safety role once again but here, he would be behind Donovan Wilson who is a better 'in-the-box' safety. As far as coverage goes, Juanyeh Thomas might have the edge on Bell.

It's not as if he will be in danger of being cut, but Bell could wind up with a significantly lower number of snaps in 2024 without Quinn.