Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) reacts after a sack against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field
Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
As the Chicago Bears finalize their 2026 roster, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter has emerged as a potential trade candidate. If the Bears are to pull off a trade, they must do so with a clear goal in mind.
Dexter is set to be a free agent after the season. The fact his name is even in trade rumors could be a sign that Chicago doesn't plan on extending him. But trading him for solely draft capital – even if a mid-round pick – would be counterintuitive.
The Bears' defensive line has been their biggest red flag all offseason. While the focus has been on Chicago's pass rush, their interior defensive line needs work as well. It's why they signed Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street in free agency before drafting Jordan van den Berg in the sixth-round.
That depth is nice, and van den Berg has been getting plenty of hype specifically. But none of them offer the experience playing on Chicago's defensive line that Dexter does. Furthermore, he is coming off of a six-sack campaign, with his 72.7 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus ranking 20/134 defensive linemen.
Dexter did earn an overall mark of 57.7, which may be why the Bears are potentially souring on him long-term. But the defensive tackle has been a valuable resource on defense over the past two seasons.
Chicago is entering 2026 with real Super Bowl aspirations. Trading Dexter before free agency ensures they'd get some extra draft capital. But with their current defensive tackle standing, they're a better team with him on the roster.
Instead, the Bears should focus on the now. If Dexter is going to be traded, it should be a larger deal for a more impactful player rather than future draft picks. In that case, Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat would be an ideal target.
Bears should use Gervon Dexter in Josh Sweat trade
Article Continues Below
Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Josh Sweat (10) looks on during minicamp at Arizona Cardinals Training Center
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Dexter is only 24-years-old and is coming off a season in which he started all 17 games. The Cardinals are looking to find consistent playmakers across their roster. While they'd have to sign him to a new contract, Dexter could be a key piece of a new look defensive front in Arizona.
If Sweat is in a deal, the Bears will have to trade away some draft capital as well. But including Dexter in the trade could help lessen that blow. There are a lot of moving pieces, and Arizona may not even have Dexter on their radar. But at least on paper, the Cardinals are building for the future and Dexter could play a key role in it.
As for Sweat, he remains a top flight pass rusher, recording 12 sacks in 2025. However, he signed with the Cardinals when Jonathan Gannon was the head coach. Seeing Arizona go 3-14 and then the rest of the NFC West get better didn't sit right with the pass catcher. He has been away from the team for most of the offseason, just recently being activated from the PUP list.
The Cardinals have clearly been reluctant to trade Sweat, especially with how often his name has bene thrown in trade rumors. But there's a chance Arizona has no choice. If Sweat truly voices his displeasure and the Cardinals get a deal they can't refuse, a trade becomes much more likely.
Trading away Dexter before his free agency season makes sense, get something rather than him walking for free. But the Bears are trying to win, and the defensive tackle helps get them closer to that goal. Unless Chicago is getting an impactful player, ideally Sweat, in a trade back, they must be cautious about dealing away the 24-year-old.