The Chicago Bears have traded defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round draft pick. The deal, reported Sunday, addresses a need for Atlanta's defensive unit.
Dexter, a second-round pick by the Bears in 2023, started all 19 games for the team last season, including playoff games. He recorded 48 tackles, six sacks, and two fumble recoveries in his second year. Across his three seasons in the league, the 24-year-old has accumulated 13.5 sacks. Dexter, listed at 6-foot-6 and 326 pounds, is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Atlanta's defense struggled against the run last year, allowing 4.6 yards per carry, which ranked eighth-worst in the NFL. Dexter's addition is intended to strengthen this area. Notably, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham was part of the Bears' front office when Dexter was drafted.
Phillips, drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, played in just one game last year due to a triceps injury. He had appeared in 27 games over his first two seasons but was competing for a reserve role this year.
