Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell is in custody in Collin County, Texas. Bell was apprehended on Friday on possession charges, according to one NBC report. The incident now puts his future with the team and the NFL in question.

According to Collin County Jail records, as per the report, 27-year-old Markquese Bell was apprehended on Friday in Prosper, Texas, on charges of possession of a controlled substance and m********. As of Saturday morning, he remains in custody.

While possession of a controlled substance carries legal implications and is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, there appears to be another layer of consequences awaiting him upon his return to the NFL.

Under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, he would be subject to a league-issued penalty.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys are reportedly aware of the situation but have declined to comment, according to CBS News Texas.

Bell was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft after tallying 158 total tackles and 5 interceptions during his college career.

The 6’3”, 205 lbs defensive back also showcased elite athleticism at the NFL Combine, posting a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and a 1.58-second 10-yard split.

In 2023, after rookie DeMarvion Overshown was injured, Bell stepped into a larger role. He played 17 games with 8 starts, recording 94 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 4 pass deflections.

In 2024, he appeared in nine games and recorded six combined tackles before suffering a dislocated shoulder in Week 11. The injury ultimately required season-ending surgery. Despite the setback, he was re-signed by the Cowboys to a three-year, $9 million extension. 

However, his situation now raises concerns about a potential NFL penalty, which could force the team to reassess its plans moving forward.

What Comes Next for the Dallas Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys are experiencing defensive changes this season under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Cowboys insider Nick Eatman told 105.3 The Fan in Dallas in February that the team had big plans for Markquese Bell, noting that his name was frequently mentioned inside the building.

"The name that I’ve been told twice in the building was Markquese Bell, as a guy that I think they have a vision for," Eatman had said in late February. "...I think the reason why is, here’s a guy who has played some linebacker, he has played some safety, he might even play some cover corner in the slot.

This suggests the Cowboys had strong plans for him, but with the addition of veterans Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke to address Dallas’ defensive struggles, the team may now have to solely rely on them if Bell faces a significant penalty.

Stay tuned for further updates on Markquese Bell's situation with the franchise! You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote