Contract seasons tend to bring the best out of players, and the Chicago Bears could get that from fourth-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr., whose future with the organization remains uncertain despite his production.
Dexter remains a key figure in the Bears’ plans.
However, recent situations around him could have them in a holding pattern before committing to another long-term contract.
Gervon Dexter Sr. Sends Another Message After Bears’ Post
Bears’ Gervon Dexter Sr. Continues to Exude Confidence
The Bears used Dexter to alert fans that there were 99 days until the start of the 2026 regular season, sharing a picture of former No. 53 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft striking a pose before a game at Soldier Field.
“99 days ’til @GervonDexter is back on the hunt [triumphant face emoji],” the Bears said in a post on X on June 6.
To that, Dexter responded, “Watch this ……”
Dexter is in the final year of a four-year, $6.7 million contract. The Bears had been in the habit of locking up their top homegrown players under general manager Ryan Poles. But a couple of those deals, specifically those for Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, look questionable after injury-marred seasons.
The Bears opted to let both of their starting safeties and a Pro Bowler at cornerback walk in free agency rather than offer any of them even a short-term deal.
They also parted ways with two recent top acquisitions in DJ Moore and Tremaine Edmunds.
The Bears have clearly started shifting the roster, particularly on defense, and it is fair to wonder what the plan is for Dexter. He has never lacked confidence. And while he has yet to have the true breakout season, he has shown steady improvement.
Gervon Dexter Sr., Montez Sweat Need More Help
There are questions about the Bears’ front, particularly around Dexter and fellow starter Montez Sweat on the edge.
The duo needs the rest of the group to step their efforts up more consistently.
Sweat’s bookend could be 2024 fifth-round pick Austin Booker, who was arguably the team’s best pure pass rusher last season. Meanwhile, the Bears have stacked the deck behind Dexter and Grady Jarrett.
Along with veterans Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street, the Bears added intriguing sixth-round pick Jordan van den Berg in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The question remains whether or not the Bears have done enough.
The moves would seem to suggest they no longer plan to try getting Dayo Odeyingbo reps inside, despite that being where they hoped his pass rush would be most impactful. Ditto for 2025 second-round pick Shemar Turner, who has been mentioned solely at EDGE in Year 2.
There is literally and figuratively a lot on the line for the Bears this coming season, potentially including Dexter’s future in Chicago
Leave a Reply