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Bears' Gervon Dexter Sr. left a phenomenal first impression on new teammate Grady Jarrett well before OTAs began in Chicago

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kole Noble | Last updated May 22, 2025 10:22 AM ET

This week, organized team activities began for the Chicago Bears' 91-man roster, with players getting acclimated with the new coaching staff led by the Ben Johnson.

The players also use this opportunity to get acclimated with each other considering it's the first time the vets can start mixing in with the new rookies.

Now, the returning players have had minicamp and have been in the building for six weeks to catch back up, which has been a great period for some of the new veteran additions to feel out the majority of the locker room.

For newly added veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, that's something he hasn't had the opportunity to experience on this side of things since his rookie season over a decade ago.

As he's gotten to know some of his new teammates and pass rush partners, Jarrett shared his experience so far getting to know one player in particular, third-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.

"It's been awesome. I think he has a really really high ceiling," Jarrett said. "Run game, being effective in the pass rush, and growing as a leader too."

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Jarrett spoke more about that leadership role Dexter has been showing this offseason. Jarrett revealed Dexter actually invited Jarrett as soon as he signed down to Miami to work out with him, Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, and other pass rushers from around the league.

"I thought that was a big gesture for him to invite me to be able to hang out with them, spend some time, work on some craft," Jarrett added. "I think that's been good for our relationship even before we got in the building. That just showed his willingness to try to take that next step."

Love to see it, Crafting & Chemistry!@ChicagoBears D-Line working out together at
Da U with Pass Rush Specialist Coach Brandon Jordan! #Jarrett #Sweat #Dexter #Booker #Bears #⬇️ pic.twitter.com/F7TtZn6iyv
— Jason McKie (@Jmack37) March 22, 2025

Last offseason, you could easily see the work Dexter put in during his first full NFL offseason. His physical transformation was one of the popular talking points heading into OTAs and training camp. The same reviews were shared when Dexter arrived back to the team facilities a few weeks ago.

"You can see the work he's putting in the weight room, away from the facility. He's here early, he's spending extra time with coach," Jarrett explained. "Year 3 is such a critical time. It's when you can take that big leap, you played some football, you get more comfortable, and now you can know how to apply things."

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A post shared by Gervon Dexter (@gervon)

The physical transformation and all the hard work in the offseason paid off for Dexter in 2024. He was easily the team's breakout player after logging 617 defensive snaps while recording 5.0 sacks, 19 QB hits, and over 50 total tackles.

With another full offseason of work, plus the additions like Jarrett to the defensive front, Dexter should be in line to take another big jump in 2025.

"I think our styles compliment each other very well," Jarrett said. "I can't wait to continue to go hunt with the guy."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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