As the NFL combine heats up, Ian Cunningham and the Atlanta Falcons find themselves in the midst of a whirlwind. With trade talks, free agency buzz, and player evaluations in full swing, Cunningham, in his first combine as the Falcons' general manager, has plenty on his plate.
Cunningham steps into a promising situation with the Falcons, yet there's still crucial work ahead. The team has significant gaps to fill, particularly on the interior defensive line. Fortunately, his connection with former boss Ryan Poles might just offer a timely solution.
In a surprising twist at the combine, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Chicago Bears are fielding inquiries about star defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. This development hints at the possibility of a high-profile trade involving Poles and his former protégé.
Schultz's report highlights a lack of depth in the defensive tackle class both in free agency and the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This scarcity makes Dexter a prime target, and the Falcons seem like a natural fit for his talents.
Dexter, a second-round pick from Florida in 2023, is a standout player. He started all 17 games for the Bears in 2025, achieving career highs with six sacks and six tackles for loss. His 42 career quarterback hits underscore his ability to disrupt the backfield.
The Falcons faced challenges in run defense last season, despite a solid rotation of defensive tackles. Brandon Dorlus emerged as a key player, while Zach Harrison and Ruke Orhorhoro showed promising development under Jeff Ulbrich's guidance.
However, with Harrison a potential trade candidate and Orhorhoro still developing, Atlanta risks losing David Onyemata in free agency. Trading for Dexter could address these issues, especially given Cunningham's relationship with Poles.
Yet, acquiring Dexter isn't without its risks. He's entering a contract year, and unless the Falcons are prepared to offer him a substantial long-term deal, parting with valuable draft picks for a single season might not be wise.
Cunningham values draft capital, and with only five picks in 2026, losing another high-profile pick is a significant consideration. Atlanta already lacks a first-round pick, and reducing their early-round selections further could be detrimental.
The Bears are also exploring trade options for DJ Moore and Tyson Bagent, which means Cunningham might have multiple opportunities to negotiate with Poles.
While Dexter could fill a crucial need for the Falcons, Cunningham must weigh whether the potential rewards outweigh the risks involved in such a deal.