Chicago Bears reveal surprising defensive cuts

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears reveal surprising defensive cuts

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Aug 31, 2026 2:49 AM ET

The Chicago Bears started Sunday morning off with a bang, trading defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, who was second on the team in sacks last season, to the Atlanta Falcons for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round pick.

The Bears’ defense made a few more notable cuts before they finalized their initial 53-man roster on Sunday.

Per the team, Chicago released defensive end Marcus Davenport, a former first-round pick with ties to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. The Bears signed Davenport during training camp to boost the defensive end position.

The Bears waived linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II with an injury designation. Chicago also released linebacker Jack Sanborn and placed linebacker Noah Sewell on the reserve/PUP list along with defensive back Kyler Gordon and Shemar Turner.

Gordon will now miss at least four games as he battles a hamstring injury that had him sidelined during OTAs and training camp.

Chicago Bears have issues to address on defense

May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen (L), general manager Ryan Poles (C) and head coach Ben Johnson (R) observe during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune expects Davenport to return to the Bears via the practice squad.

“The Bears terminated the contract of veteran DE Marcus Davenport,” Biggs posted on X. “He did not practice after signing with the team on 8/17. I’d say good chance Davenport (who turns 30 on 9/4) re-signs to the practice squad so the team can evaluate his potential impact.”

Chicago’s defense has a lot of questions going into the regular season. The team had depth issues at defensive end and in the secondary for most of camp. Based on Sunday’s transactions, the Bears are short at linebacker and will need help in that area before traveling to play the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 on Sept. 13.

The Bears should be aggressive in adding help for the defense before the regular season. The offense looks talented enough to repeat as NFC North champs, but the defense looms as a liability that could crush the momentum built in head coach Ben Johnson’s first year.

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

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