Edge rusher Quinton Bell, who was thought to be departing the Dolphins a few days ago, will re-sign, according to a report from ESPN.
A few days ago it was reported Bell, 28, wouldn’t be offered a contract tender and would therefore become a free agent on Wednesday.
Apparently, something changed.
Bell was mostly a special teams contributor last season for the Dolphins, and could again be a core special teams contributor in 2025.
The Dolphins recently hired new special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman.
Of course, the Dolphins till have defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who saw enough in Bell, the 2019 seventh-round pick by Oakland out of Prairie View A&M, to keep him around all of 2024.
Last season, Bell totaled 27 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble while appearing in all 17 games. Most of his playing time was on special teams.
Bell has appeared in 26 career games among bouncing around with the Dolphins, Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia.
Bell showed promise early in training camp last season but he was slowed during joint practices. Still, he has athleticism and coaches say he has displayed a willingness to learn.
After being signed in January, Bell was lauded by coaches and teammates for his attitude and raw skills during OTAs and minicamp.
From scrimmage, Bell could be a back end rotational player in an edge rusher crew that’s led by Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson. The Dolphins also have Mo Kamara, last year’s fifth-round pick, and Cameron Goode, another special teams standout.
And, the Dolphins are said to be in the running for Joey Bosa, the former St. Thomas and Ohio State standout who was released by the Los Angeles Chargers. Bosa is also reportedly talking with San Francisco, where he’d join his brother, Nick.
All of that reduces Bell’s chances from contributing from scrimmage.
However, considering Chubb, Phillips and Bosa have all battled injuries in recent years, there could eventually be a spot for Bell from scrimmage if he can earn a roster spot on special teams.
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