Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter had been on the trade block for what felt like two years. However, it looked like he was starting to fit. Now, he will enter the last year of his rookie salary contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Bears traded Dexter to the Falcons for Clark Phillips and a fifth-round pick.
Chicago Bears trade Gervon Dexter
Dexter is entering the last year of his current deal and is coming off the best season of his career. Dexter recorded 2.5 sacks as a rookie and jumped up to five in his second season.
In his third year, he got a new defensive coordinator and put up six sacks. However, it did not look like Dexter was a great fit for Dennis Allen, especially in his ability to defend the run.
The Bears shopped Dexter in the first year he was with Allen, and the rumors only picked up in the second season.
Dexter is in a tough spot where he is continuing to grow and has not hit his peak yet. Based on his progression and production, he could end up getting a substantial contract in free agency.
However, the Bears see a player who has spent three years trying to get to his potential and a player who is not quite a fit in the defense they are running. Paying that player top-of-the-market money does not make sense. So, they shopped him for a pick and a player.
Phillips is notable due to his slot experience. Phillips was a fourth-round pick in the same draft. He has seven starts in his first two seasons. Phillips had a season-ending injury after just one game in 2025.
Still, he only had 36 slot snaps to 637 on the outside.
Phillips does have more slot experience than outside production in the preseason. However, Atlanta had been trying him on the outside. The Falcons' defensive coordinator and game plan have changed since Phillips was drafted. Similar to Dexter, the team does not want to pay him beyond his year.
So, it makes sense for them to shop him as well. With his lack of experience and injury history, there is a reason the team had to attach a pick to the side of Phillips.
The Bears get a pick and a player who competes to make the team and potentially get on the field for Allen.
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