Report: Chicago Bears Getting Trade Inquiries On Young Defensive Tackle

The NFL offseason is a time for calculated moves, salary cap gymnastics, and unexpected rumors. For the Chicago Bears, the focus has been on major decisions at linebacker and quarterback, but a new name has surprisingly entered the trade conversation: defensive tackle Gervon Dexter.

Chicago Bears Getting Calls About DT Gervon Dexter

According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, teams have been calling the Bears to inquire about Dexter’s availability. While there is no indication that Chicago is actively shopping him, the news is intriguing. It highlights Dexter’s rising value around the league and presents General Manager Ryan Poles with another interesting decision as he shapes the 2026 roster.

Why Are Teams Calling About Gervon Dexter?

At first glance, the interest in Dexter is surprising. Why would teams target a productive starter on another team’s defensive line? The answer lies in a combination of his performance, his contract, and the league-wide market.

Dexter, a 2023 second-round pick, is coming off a career year. He started all 17 games in 2025 and finished second on the team with 6.0 sacks, adding 44 tackles and 11 quarterback hits. At just 24 years old, he has steadily improved each season and has shown flashes of being a disruptive interior pass rusher.

This production is even more attractive when paired with his contract. Dexter is entering the final year of his rookie deal with a very manageable cap hit of just over $2 million. In a league where quality defensive tackles command massive contracts, acquiring a young, proven starter on a cheap deal is a highly appealing prospect for any front office.

Schultz’s report also noted that the upcoming free-agent and draft classes for defensive tackles are considered weak. This scarcity increases the demand for players like Dexter. Teams that need help on the interior defensive line may see trading for him as a more reliable option than rolling the dice in the draft or overpaying in free agency.

Should the Bears Consider a Trade?

This is where the decision becomes complex for Ryan Poles. On one hand, trading Dexter seems counterintuitive. The Bears themselves have a need for defensive line help, and Dexter is arguably their best player at the position. He is young, hard-working, and has developed into a leader on defense. Trading him would create another hole to fill.

However, Poles has consistently preached the importance of being open to unique opportunities. If a team comes in with a compelling offer—likely a Day 2 draft pick—he has to consider it. The Bears could be hesitant to give Dexter a large contract extension after this season. Cashing in on his value now, while it’s high, would provide valuable draft capital to reinvest in the roster. It would be a classic “sell high” move.

A trade would allow the Bears to clear the path for 2025 second-round pick Shemar Turner, a player with a high ceiling who missed most of his rookie season with an injury. It would be a gamble, but one that could pay off if the front office believes in Turner’s potential.

What’s Next for the Defensive Line?

For now, this is just a report of teams inquiring. The Bears have not shown any public desire to move on from Dexter. However, the fact that teams are calling is a testament to his development.

If a trade were to happen, the Bears’ defensive line would be in a state of flux. With veteran Andrew Billings also a free agent, Chicago would need to make a significant investment at the position, likely using a high draft pick and signing other free agents.

Ultimately, it seems unlikely the Bears would part with a homegrown talent like Dexter unless the offer is too good to refuse. But as Ryan Poles has said, unique opportunities pop up. This unexpected trade buzz is a reminder that in the NFL, every player has a price.