Chicago Bears DT Gervon Dexter’s plan after trade chatter

Chicago Bears Gervon Dexter makes a play against the Patriots

Chicago Bears DT Gervon Dexter’s plan after trade chatter

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Aug 9, 2026 9:45 PM ET

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. was the subject of trade rumors at the NFL’s scouting combine this winter.

Dexter, a second-round pick by the Bears in 2023, is set to play on the final year of his rookie contract. He’s made 115 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and 42 quarterback hits during his first three years in the league in 42 appearances and 33 starts.

Dexter has only gotten better over his three seasons. He made a career-high six sacks and six tackles for loss in 2025.

However, that effort wasn’t enough for Dexter to secure a long-term deal with the Bears before training camp. While Chicago wasn’t ready to get out its checkbook for the defensive tackle, they didn’t seem too interested in trading the former standout at Florida.

When speaking to reporters on Sunday, Dexter said his goal was to show improvement this fall, knowing that would help things settle into place for the 2027 offseason.

“I think I came into this year solely focused on just improving and getting better, and understanding that… all of that stuff is going to work itself out, ” Dexter said. “If I get better, and do the things I need to do, and take care of the things I need to take care of, things always fall into place.”

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Gervon Dexter on his situation with the Chicago Bears

Dexter was asked if he would have liked for the “situation” with the Bears to be resolved before training camp. He said everything happens for a reason.

“I like to stay where my feet are,” Dexter said, not wanting to deal in hypothetical scenarios. “I’m a firm believer in Christ. So I know… everything happened for a reason, if that makes sense. So how it happened is how it happened, and I’m just looking to get better.”

The Bears need Dexter and veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to be better this season as the defense tries to find ways to rush the passer. Given the injuries that are piling up in the secondary, the soundness of the front seven will be even more important early in the season.

Dexter, 24, will have a chance to prove himself this season. If all goes well, he should be able to demand more money during the 2027 offseason than what he could have signed for this offseason.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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