Bears Trade Talks Center on Young Defensive Tackle Gervon Dexter

Dexter, 24, is entering the final year of his rookie contract (2026) and started all 17 games last season. The Bears could free up over $1.6 million in cap space for 2026 if he is moved, and the organization is weighing draft-pick compensation against a player-for-player swap.

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Dexter was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 53 overall) out of the University of Florida. Over three seasons he has logged 115 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 42 quarterback hits, three passes defended, four fumble recoveries and ten tackles for loss. In 2025 he posted a career-high six sacks and 44 tackles, ranking No. 32 among 107 qualified defensive tackles in PFN’s DT Impact Scoring.

The Sporting News

• Career totals: 13.5 sacks, 42 QB hits, 115 tackles, 10 TFL, 3 passes defended, 4 fumble recoveries.

The Sporting News

• 2025 season: 44 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 6.0 TFL, 38 pressures.

Report: Bears fielding trade calls on DT Gervon Dexter

• PFN ranking: No. 32 of 107 defensive tackles.

Report: Bears fielding trade calls on DT Gervon Dexter

• Cap impact: Potential $1.6 million relief in 2026.

Report: Bears fielding trade calls on DT Gervon Dexter

The Bears’ interior line currently lists veteran Grady Jarrett, rookie Jordan van den Berg, Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street and James Lynch. Analysts note the move could accelerate van den Berg’s rise into a starting role, especially after head coach Ben Johnson highlighted the rookie’s “serious contention” to bust into the rotation on August 25. The trade could also free a roster spot ahead of the 53-man cut deadline, allowing the Bears to explore additional depth options or retain Jarrett as the sole veteran anchor.

USA Today

• “Sources: The Bears have had trade discussions involving DT Gervon Dexter, and there are multiple scenarios where a deal could get done sending him to a new team,” — Schtulz

Sports Illustrated

• “He’s a big buy, he does a great job being available,” — Ben Johnson, head coach

Ben Johnson inadvertently hinted a trade could be brewing for the Bears and now the rumblings are starting to pick up

Media speculation points to several clubs with prior connections to Dexter or the Bears’ staff: the San Francisco 49ers (assistant Matt Eberflus coached Dexter at the draft), the Atlanta Falcons (former Bears assistant Ian Cunningham), the Tennessee Titans (former Bears linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi), the New York Giants (recent Bears defensive signings) and the Philadelphia Eagles (GM Howie Roseman’s history of low-cost acquisitions).

USA TodayThe Sporting NewsHeavySports IllustratedBleacher ReportUSA TodayReport: Bears fielding trade calls on DT Gervon Dexter HeavyBen Johnson inadvertently hinted a trade could be brewing for the Bears and now the rumblings are starting to pick up

The Bears must reduce their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 30. If a trade is completed before that deadline, the team will enter the regular season on September 13 against the Carolina Panthers with a re-shaped interior defensive line. Should negotiations stall, Dexter will become a free agent after the 2026 season.

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