Atlanta Falcons: Land Former 2nd-Round Pick With 13.5 Sacks

The Atlanta Falcons could still address the interior defensive line due to injuries at the position. Da’Shawn Hand has missed most of training camp with a leg injury, and it remains unclear whether he will be ready for Week 1. Meanwhile, sixth-round pick Anterio Thompson has missed the offseason due to an undisclosed injury, prompting the Falcons to place him on the active/NFI list to start training camp. It is unclear if he will start the season on the NFI list.

The Atlanta Falcons land a former 2nd-round pick with 13.5 sacksChicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) celebrates recovering the fumble made by Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) on Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

According to Adam Schefter, the Atlanta Falcons have acquired Gervon Dexter Sr. from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick and Clark Phillips III. Atlanta is inheriting a one-year, $1.59 million contract, per Spotrac. Dexter is regarded as a solid pass rusher with 13.5 career sacks but is not the strongest run defender, meaning he will primarily play on obvious passing downs.

Trade terms, per source:

Bears receive CB Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round pick.

Falcons receive DT Gervon Dexter. https://t.co/NG23VcLOjg

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2026

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaignDec 14, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Gervon Dexter Sr. enjoyed a strong third season, setting career highs in tackles for loss, pressures, and sacks. Dexter totaled 44 tackles, six tackles for loss, 27 stops, 39 pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and six sacks across 17 starts in the regular season. He also posted four tackles, one tackle for loss, three stops, and four pressures in the playoffs.

More Falcons news

• The Falcons: Add 3x-Pro Bowler in Surprising Twist
• The Falcons: Have Devastating News for Injury-Riddled 2nd-Round Pick

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