Chicago Ships Dexter to Atlanta for Cornerback and Draft Pick
The Bears traded defensive tackle Gervon Dexter to the Falcons in exchange for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round pick. Dexter started all 17 games last season with 44 tackles and six sacks, but Chicago opted to move him before his contract year. The Falcons bolster their defensive line while the Bears add secondary depth and draft capital.
The trade sends Dexter to Atlanta after he started every game for Chicago last season, recording 44 tackles and six sacks. The Bears’ decision comes as coach Ben Johnson has praised rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg, calling him an “incredible athlete” and noting his rapid development. Van den Berg appears poised for a larger role, while Phillips, who played just one game in 2025 due to a triceps injury, adds secondary depth for Chicago. Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham previously worked in Chicago’s front office when Dexter was drafted in 2023, and Atlanta’s defensive line has been thin after Da’Shawn Hand’s injury-plagued offseason.
This trade could reshape both teams’ immediate fortunes—Chicago gains draft flexibility and a young cornerback, while Atlanta strengthens its pass rush for a playoff push. For fans, the move signals the Bears’ confidence in unproven depth, potentially accelerating a rebuild. The broader NFL impact may be modest, but it highlights how teams value contract-year players and rookie replacements, affecting roster chemistry and competitive balance in the upcoming season.