As we move into the slower time on the NFL calendar before training camp, players with prominent contract matters in play will push some conversation. For the Chicago Bears, getting a deal done with right tackle Darnell Wright before the season starts, if not before training camp begins, feels like a lock.
A little further down the road, quarterback Caleb Williams is also in line for a notable contract extension. Still others are entering the final year of their contract in Chicago, with the obvious implications that brings.
As he honed in on the one player for each team who deserves a contract extension before the 2026 season, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report went a surprising direction for the Bears with defensive tackle Gervon Dexter.
"Over three seasons, Dexter has developed a knack for making plays in the backfield. He's produced a steady uptick in sacks and tackles for loss. Because of his pass-rushing numbers, the 24-year-old could command a lucrative deal in free agency next offseason. Chicago can get ahead of those demands by offering him north of $25 million annually. On the interior, he could be the long-term complement to edge-rusher Montez Sweat."
In line with increased playing time over his first three seasons, Dexter indeed has had a progressive uptick in sack and TFL production. But he has mostly been an atrocious run defender, with Pro Football Focus numbers backing the eye test. As good as he is at getting after the passer, it's only half of the job and he's not nearly consistent enough at the other half.
The Bears should let things play out with Gervon Dexter's contract situation
The Bears may sign Dexter to a contract extension before he would hit the open market next March. Before the season starts feels too agressive though, even his recently hired agent Drew Rosenhaus pushes for it, to say nothing of the $25 million-plus per year price point Moton suggested.
Jeffery Simmons' fresh new contract with the Tennessee Titans has created a new top of the defensive tackle market: $35 million per year. Still, $25 million a year is a top-10 number at the position right now.
Read more: New favorite to sign notable veteran edge rusher will have Bears fans seeing red
Dexter is nowhere near the conversation among the top-10 defensive tackles in the league heading into the 2026 season. So why should the Bears pay him like one? The answer is they shouldn't, at least not yet (if ever), and there's absolutely no urgency to even think of doing so before the season starts.
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