The Chicago Bears are hinting at a major roster shakeup this offseason, and it’s turning heads across the league. The buzz around potential trades involving Tyson Bagent and D.J.
Moore was already strong, but the latest chatter about defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is taking things to another level. Teams are reportedly reaching out to the Bears about Dexter, a move few saw coming.
Dexter, who emerged as the Bears' top interior player last season with a career-high six sacks, is only 24 years old. So why would the Bears consider moving him?
For starters, Dexter is set to become a free agent next year, and it appears unlikely that the Bears will pony up the cash to extend him. This ties into a deeper issue: Dexter's fit within Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme.
Allen favors lighter, quicker defensive tackles, and at 326 pounds, Dexter doesn’t quite match that mold.
Despite his productivity, Dexter finds himself in a precarious position. He's proven to be a solid starter, but his contract situation and the coaching staff’s preferences complicate matters. While his time in Chicago has been decent, he hasn't quite reached the elite level as an interior pass rusher or run defender.
Let’s break down the numbers:
- 2023: Dexter recorded 29 pressures, ranking 45th overall, with a strong finish in the last nine games.
- 2024: He improved to 39 pressures, placing him 24th among over 200 players at his position.
- 2025: Dexter notched 44 pressures, ranking 18th out of 134 qualifying interior defenders, according to PFF.
Under normal circumstances, Dexter’s performance would likely earn him an extension. However, the Bears’ cap space is tight, and trading him could bring in valuable draft capital while avoiding another hefty contract. This would also give Allen the flexibility to reshape the defensive tackle position to his liking.
The Bears are expected to be aggressive in addressing the defensive tackle spot. General Manager Ryan Poles has hinted that the edge rusher position is deeper in this year’s draft class, suggesting the Bears might target a defensive tackle early.
Prospects like Clemson’s Peter Woods and Georgia’s Christen Miller, who fit Allen’s preferred profile, could be on their radar. Other potential targets include Tyler Onyedim from Texas A&M and Grace Halton from Oklahoma in the later rounds.
It’s crucial to note that trading Dexter isn’t a done deal. The Bears are exploring options, but any move will depend on receiving a satisfactory offer.
With Andrew Billings and Chris Williams entering free agency, Poles won’t weaken the defensive line without adequate compensation, likely a day two draft pick. If a trade happens, expect it before free agency kicks off.