Dallas Cowboys: Is Son of NBA's Karl Malone Going to Camp?

The Dallas Cowboys' training camp begins this weekend in Oxnard, California and here's a feel-good story that has just popped up.

According to Todd Archer of ESPN.com, the son of former NBA star Karl Malone looks to be heading west with America's Team. However, it's a bit more interesting than that.

Sixth-year veteran Demetress Bell, a 6'5'' and 311-pound left tackle, joins the Cowboys with another opportunity to make it on his own—a message delivered to him by Malone many years ago.

Bell was chosen in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL draft and Dallas becomes the third team he's played for.

Originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills, Bell rode the bench as a rookie but would earn the Bills' starting left tackle position in his sophomore campaign in 2009. With mixed results following his promotion, Bell ended up with Philadelphia last year.

The Eagles released the lineman earlier this offseason.

It doesn't seem to matter that Malone has refused to be a part of Bell's life—especially concerning his profession, where the NBA's second-leading scorer in history might have been a real benefit. Never mind the absence of emotional support and guidance that most fathers try to offer.

While Bell's story might tug at the heartstrings a little, it's good to know that Dallas wants to add another tackle to the roster.

In fact, Bell's presence might actually add some pressure on right tackle Doug Free—as if he didn't already have enough of that.

Free looks like the only viable left tackle available to back up starter Tyron Smith. It would seem that Bell's previous experience at Smith's position would take one more hat away from Free.

Bell has had some injury history and, excluding his rookie season, he's played a 16-game schedule only once. He's likely not a savior, but would bring some experience to a most vital position that is dangerously thin for the Cowboys.

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