The NFL's official website recently highlighted the most underappreciated player on each NFL team heading into the 2025 season. For the Chicago Bears, the pick may have surprised some: defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr..
Dexter started the 2024 season strong and looked poised for a breakout year, but his momentum faded as the season progressed. With the 2025 season shaping up to be a potential make-or-break campaign, his selection suggests there’s still plenty of untapped potential within his profile.
The article notes that an injury to Andrew Billings, combined with poor depth last year, forced Dexter into a lead role along the defensive front, effectively turning him into a one-man show. While he couldn't carry that burden alone, it wasn’t for lack of effort, it was a reflection of the circumstances.
Gervon Dexter Sr. could be in line for a breakout season with the Bears.
Looking ahead, things appear more promising for Dexter. The Bears are getting Andrew Billings back and have bolstered the interior defensive line with veteran Grady Jarrett and rookie Shemar Turner. With a more stable and talented supporting cast, Dexter has a chance to return to his early 2024 form and possibly sustain that level of play across a full season.
There are two ways to interpret his potential. On one hand, if Dexter does produce consistently, it would validate his selection as an underappreciated asset. On the other hand, it raises the question: how high is Gervon Dexter's ceiling?
Dexter doesn’t have to carry the entire load, but he does need a solid environment with other capable rushers to bring out his best. If that happens, his true impact might not live up to the stat sheet production that would make him look underappreciated.
A few other Bears players could have made a compelling case for this title. Cole Kmet, Braxton Jones, and Kyler Gordon have all delivered under-the-radar value and may have deserved consideration.