The Atlanta Falcons are acquiring defensive tackle Gervon Dexter from the Chicago Bears for defensive back Clark Phillips and a fifth-round pick, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Dexter is entering the final year of his rookie deal after being selected in the second round of the 2023 draft. He was rumored to be a possible trade candidate after the two sides couldn't agree on a new contract.
The 24-year-old recorded 44 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, and six sacks in 17 games last season. His 35 pressures and 25 hurries were both second on Chicago, behind only Montez Sweat, according to TruMedia.
Dexter heading to Atlanta leaves veteran Grady Jarrett and Neville Gallimore as the Bears' starting defensive tackles. Shemar Turner, a second-round selection in last year's draft, is still on the physically unable to perform list with two weeks until Chicago's season opener. Jordan van den Berg is also pushing for playing time after being selected in the sixth round of this year's draft.
Phillips has played in 28 games since entering the league as a fourth-round pick in 2023. He's posted 10 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one interception, but is coming off a torn triceps injury that sidelined him for the majority of last year.
The Falcons' interior defensive line now includes Dexter, Maason Smith, Brandon Dorlus, Zach Harrison, and Da'Shawn Hand. They lost edge rusher Jalon Walker to a season-ending knee injury earlier in camp and signed veteran Za'Darius Smith as his replacement. James Pearce Jr., who recorded 10.5 sacks in 2025 as a rookie, was suspended for the first eight games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Dexter has recorded 115 tackles and 13.5 sacks in 49 career games.
