ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Bell’s contract has a max value of $12 million. He has been a key reserve defender and special teamer for the Cowboys over the last few seasons, with the ability to play both safety and linebacker. Dallas rewards him with a three-year deal to keep him on as reliable rotational player and high-end special teamer.

This is a big loss for the Cowboys’ special teams unit. Todd Archer reports “special teams coordinator John Fassel became emotional when talking about” Bell’s season-ending dislocated shoulder injury. Bell’s 85.9 PFF special teams grade not only leads all Cowboys special teams players, it ranks eighth among 138 NFL special teams players with at least 165 special teams snaps. Bell will likely be placed on injured reserve by the end of the week.