Bears DT Shemar Turner
Getty
Bears DT Shemar Turner
In 2025, theChicago Bears returned to the postseason for the first time since 2020, powered largely by one of the league’s most productive rookie classes.
Colston Loveland,Luther Burden III,Ozzy Trapilo andKyle Monangai delivered on offense. The youth movement was real. But on the defensive side, one of the Bears’ most intriguing draft investments never got off the ground.
Now, thanks to trade chatter surrounding defensive tackleGervon Dexter, 2025 second round pickShemar Turner may be staring at the opportunity that eluded him as a rookie.
A rookie year that never got started
Bears DT Gervon Dexter
GettyBears DT Gervon Dexter
According to NFL insiderJordan Schultz, “teams have inquired with the Chicago Bears about trading for DT Gervon Dexter, as the free-agent DT market and draft class are not deep.
“The 24-year-old started all 17 games last season and has 13.5 career sacks and 42 QB hits. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract.”
On the surface, moving him would be a gamble. He’s young, productive and on a team friendly contract. But the Bears are reportedly over the salary cap, and while a Dexter trade would only free modest space, every dollar matters this time of year. More importantly, it would clear a direct path for Shemar Turner.
When the Chicago Bears selected Shemar Turner at No. 62 overall out of Texas A&M, the vision was clear… A versatile defensive lineman who could rotate inside and provide juice off the edge in Dennis Allen’s scheme. Instead, his rookie season became a lesson in frustration.
Turner suffered an ankle injury in training camp that cost him the first two games, then tore his ACL in Week 8 after appearing in just five games. It wasn’t what general manager Ryan Poles envisioned when he used his third second round pick on Turner.
A defining offseason ahead
Bears DT Gervon Dexter
GettyBears DT Gervon Dexter
Before the ACL injury, the Chicago Bears experimented with Shemar Turner’s role. Though drafted as a defensive tackle, he saw extended time at defensive end, partially due to injuries and partially in search of pass-rush production. That search never truly paid off in 2025.
Outside ofMontez Sweat andAustin Booker, Chicago struggled to consistently generate pressure. Turner’s collegiate profile suggested quickness, burst and versatility, but his limited rookie tape didn’t translate to impact. That’s why the Dexter trade rumors matter so much.
If Dexter is moved, Turner could slide back inside behind veterans likeGrady Jarrett, where his 6’3”, 290 pound frame fits naturally. Or the Bears could double down on the edge experiment. Either way, the runway would be clear.
ACL recoveries typically take eight to nine months, putting Turner’s potential return somewhere in early summer. If he’s ready for OTAs or training camp, he’ll enter 2026 with something he didn’t have last year… Opportunity.
Moving on from Dexter wouldn’t be a slam dunk decision. He’s proven he can produce. But Turner arguably has the higher ceiling, and after an injury-plagued rookie campaign, the Bears must decide whether they believe in that upside enough to create space for it.
And after a season where the offense already proved it can carry weight, unlocking Shemar Turner might be what determines whether the Chicago Bears merely return to the playoffs… Or take the next step.