Former Holmes Community College offensive lineman Markel Bell has officially signed his four-year rookie contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Bell was selected by Philadelphia with the 68th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft after finishing his collegiate career at the University of Miami.
The 6-foot-9, 346-pound offensive tackle helped lead the Hurricanes to the College Football National Championship Game during his senior season. Bell started all 16 games at left tackle and did not allow a sack in 558 pass-blocking snaps, earning third-team All-ACC honors.
Before his success at Miami, Bell developed into one of the nation’s top junior college prospects at Holmes Community College in Goodman. Following his standout career with the Bulldogs, Bell transferred to Miami over offers from several Southeastern Conference programs, including Arkansas, Auburn, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss.
After being drafted by the Eagles in April, Bell said he felt Philadelphia was the right fit.
“I saw myself in Philly. I envisioned myself in Philly and it came to reality,” Bell said. “It’s no secret sauce. I just worked my tail off every day. I go against great players and I had a great coach behind me. I’m looking forward to doing the same thing in Philly.”
Eagles Executive Vice President and General Manager Howie Roseman praised Bell following the draft, pointing to his rare combination of size, length, and pass-protection ability.
“Markel Bell was a passion player for us,” Roseman said. “Obviously, unusual size, unusual length. Hard to find. When you watch the tape, he is hard to get around in pass protection.”
Roseman also noted Bell’s development from the nation’s top-ranked junior college recruit to an NFL Draft selection and said the organization is excited about his potential as he begins his professional career.
According to rookie contract projections, Bell’s four-year deal is worth approximately $7.4 million, including a signing bonus of roughly $1.85 million. His contract is expected to pay about $1.35 million during his rookie season, with annual earnings increasing each year of the deal. The contract follows the NFL’s rookie wage scale, which sets compensation based on draft position.
Bell now joins one of the NFL’s premier offensive line groups as he prepares for his first season with the Eagles.
We have signed OT Markel Bell. All eight 2026 Draft picks are now under contract. pic.twitter.com/AyXpCLTjq0
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 23, 2026
