The 28-year-old pass-rusher is expected to sign a one-year-deal with the Miami Dolphins worth an estimated $1.5 million. #FinsUp
After having the chance to test free agency, outside linebacker Quinton Bell has returned to South Florida — signing a deal to stay with the Miami Dolphins through the 2025 NFL season. Bell will make $1.5 million this upcoming season, nearly half of what the right-to-first refusal tender would have cost Miami. ESPN’s NFL Insider, Adam Schefter, was the first to report the signing.
Bell, 28, joined the Dolphins practice squad midway through the 2023 season. He would later sign a reserve/future contract to stay with the team. Throughout training camp and OTAs, Bell was the talk of the town and many thought he’d have a more significant role in 2024, especially with Shaq Barrett’s unexpected retirement and the plethora of injuries on the defensive line. Unfortunately, that never seemed to come to frution.
In 2024, Bell played 257 defensive snaps for Miami while finishing the year with 27 total tackles (three for loss), three quarterback hits, a pass break up, and a sack. He started three games for the Dolphins, but most of his production came on special teams, where he played 84% of the team’s special team snaps. He is now back with the Miami and looks to take another step forward in Anthony Weaver’s defense.
How much Bell will play next year is to be determined with what the team does at the EDGE position for the remainder of the offseason. Miami has been linked to Joey Bosa which will undoubtedly change Bell’s role — even if he is primarily a depth piece. Not to mention, the Dolphins could turn to the draft to bring in another game-changing pass-rusher.
Whatever the case, Anthony Weaver has several options to get after the quarterback. Whether that’s Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Chop Robinson, or even someone who primarily plays on special teams, like Quinton Bell. Quarterbacks everywhere have been put on notice!
What are your thoughts on Quinton Bell returning to the team? Do you think this changes anything about the makeup of the Dolphins defense in 2025? What are your thoughts on Joey Bosa being added to the unit? Let us know in the comments section below!