The Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons have reportedly pulled off a trade involving defensive tackle Gervon Dexter.
The news comes from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who reports that the Falcons are sending the Bears a fifth-round pick and defensive back Clark Phillips for Dexter.
“The Falcons are sending defensive back Clark Phillips and a fifth-round pick to the Bears in exchange for DT Gervon Dexter, per source,” Fowler wrote.
A trade rumor about Dexter popped up last week, which was a bit surprising.
MORE: NFL 53-man roster cuts tracker
Granted, Dexter is in the final year of his contract, but he was also an important piece of the Bears’ defense as a starter.
Dexter also plays at a position where the Bears have several question marks after a season in which the team struggled with its pass-rush and run defense.
Chicago finished tied for the seventh-fewest sacks and owned the sixth-worst run defense in the NFL in 2025.
MORE: Keenan Allen arrested for DUI hours after Colts debut
No interior lineman on the Bears other than Dexter, who had six sacks, had more than 1.5 sacks last season.
Why Bears traded Gervon DexterChicago Bears defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)One reason has to do with the fact that Dexter is in the final year of his deal and it’s now clear the Bears didn’t see him as part of their long-term plans.
Dexter has his faults, also, and especially when it comes to his run defense, where he is sorely lacking. He was also never a great fit in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense.
The addition of Phillips will help the Bears with their depth issues in the secondary, where Chicago has been hit with injuries this offseason.
MORE: Cowboys acquire Broderick Jones in trade with Steelers
Clark has three NFL seasons under his belt and has started in seven of his 28 games. Most of his experience comes at outside cornerback, but he does have some snaps in the slot and at safety.
Dexter has a connection to the Falcons already in general manager Ian Cunningham, who was previously the Bears’ assistant general manager.
As for the Falcons’ side of things, they needed to add more firepower to the interior of their defensive line. A plus pass-rusher like Dexter should provide a boost for Atlanta.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Leave a Comment