NFL Cutdown Day Shocks: Bears Trade Dexter, Broncos Waive Rookie TE
The Bears traded defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Falcons for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a 2027 fifth-round pick, a surprising move given Chicago's need for pass-rushers. The Broncos waived fifth-round rookie tight end Justin Joly, who had a preseason highlight but struggled in camp. Several other unexpected moves occurred across the league on the roster-cut deadline.
The Bears' decision to move Dexter suggests a long-term roster philosophy shift, as the defensive tackle was entering the final year of his rookie contract and ranked second on the team in sacks and pressure rate behind Montez Sweat. Chicago now appears committed to giving rookie sixth-round pick Jordan van den Berg a significant role along the defensive front, a gamble given the team's already middling pass-rush numbers from 2025.
Denver's choice to cut Joly while keeping seventh-rounder Dallen Bentley highlights how camp performance outweighed draft pedigree. Joly's college production—166 receptions and 15 touchdowns—made him an intriguing prospect, but his struggles in practice proved decisive. The Broncos now lean on the aging Evan Engram as their primary pass-catching tight end, leaving the position thin for the upcoming season.
These roster moves could reshape team fortunes in subtle ways, particularly for the Bears and Broncos, whose fan bases may feel immediate uncertainty about depth at key positions. The trades and cuts may also influence waiver-wire activity across the league, as other teams assess newly available players. For players like Joly and the waived Cowboys running backs, the impact is personal and immediate, potentially altering career trajectories. Fans of playoff contenders may watch closely, as these decisions could affect competitive balance in the coming season.