Surprisingly, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Chicago Bears are taking trade offers on star defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. The news comes as a bit of a surprise, considering the 6-foot-6 Dexter started all 17 games for the Bears last season, producing a very respectable six sacks in the process.
Still just 24 years old, Dexter is also headed into the final year of his contract, and given that the Bears seem open to trading him, the guess here is that the two sides haven’t come close to reaching an extension. With teams already negotiating a potential Dexter trade with Chicago, it’s time to look at some teams that could land the fourth-year pro.
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New York Giants
New Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh holds up a New York Giants helmet during a press conference welcoming Harbaugh at the Quest5
New Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh holds up a New York Giants helmet during a press conference welcoming Harbaugh at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2025. Credit: USA Today
The New York Giants traded Dexter Lawrence, whom coach John Harbaugh previously referred to as the team’s “middlestone” rather than franchise cornerstone. While the Giants managed to get a first-round pick in return (starting RG Francis Mauigoa), Lawrence’s departure left a sizable gap in the middle of the Giants’ defense, one that has since been filled by nose tackle D.J. Reader. Yet, the 32-year-old Reader is just a two-year stopgap; the Giants will still want to find a long-term solution, and Dexter, who has 11 sacks in the past two seasons, would be a more ideal long-term solution, especially when it comes to creating pressure up the middle, much like Lawrence once did.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Gervon Dexter5
Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball past the arms of Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images
With Arik Armstead headed into the final year of his contract, the Jacksonville Jaguars may try to get ahead of their problem by finding his replacement now. Dexter might even be an upgrade. Of course, the Jaguars would have to make sure they get Dexter extended before his contract lapses this offseason too, but for now, they’d have a pair of fearful interior pass-rushers. Though, they may prefer to land Dexter, then flip Armstead elsewhere instead.
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders5
Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders helmets on the sidelines at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Seeking a way to boost their pass-rush after holding onto Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders might have just found their solution. After adding Christian Wilkins in 2024, now they get a healthier version of a pass-rushing interior defender who can help take attention away from Crosby while pushing the pocket from a different point of attack. After reinforcing the trenches on offense, maybe now it’s time to invest a bit up front on defense too.
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Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons5
Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Falcons helmet on the sidelines before game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Whether the Atlanta Falcons are willing to part with more future draft capital after taking a few recent gambles is unknown. Yet, one might argue it’s worth parting with a late Day 2 pick for a player of Dexter’s caliber. Especially in a season where the Falcons are so short on edge rushers to begin the year after James Pearce’s eight-game suspension plus Jalon Walker’s ACL tear. Adding Dexter could be a way to ensure the entire front seven doesn’t fall apart.
Carolina Panthers
NFL: Carolina Panthers Training Camp5
Jul 31, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers helmet during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Looking to get stronger up front, especially with Tershawn Wharton still sidelined, the Carolina Panthers may not be done adding to their front seven. They’ve already added Jaelan Phillips, Devin Lloyd, and second-round rookie Lee Hunter. But adding another dominant presence who can not only win his 1-on-1 battles but also eat up some double teams could be just what Carolina’s defense needs to take that next step. Plus, still just 24 years old, Dexter could grow old with this young core, and chances are he hasn’t even reached his ceiling yet.