With the focus on the 2026 season, the Chicago Bears have some big decisions to make before the new year begins, as a lingering situation could hurt them for the future.
Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is in the final year of his rookie contract and could be in for a massive payday in the offseason if the team doesn't extend him. Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton named Dexter to his under-the-radar list of players who could be primed to boost their market value in the offseason, and his estimated cost could hurt the Bears.
"The Chicago Bears should get ahead of Gervon Dexter Sr.'s 2027 market with an early extension, but that may not be in the works this offseason. They haven't engaged in contract talks with him, and he'll likely play out the final year of his rookie deal."
"Currently, the top six interior defensive linemen are earning at least $25.5 million per year (h/tOver the Cap). Even if Dexter just maintains that production in a prominent role on the defensive line, he could command a deal north of $25 million annually when teams tend to overpay in free agency. As the second-best pass-rusher behind Montez Sweat on Chicago's roster in the previous two years, Dexter will cash in on an extension or a lucrative new deal elsewhere in 2027."
Bears got a problem if they can't retain Gervon Dexter in 2027 and beyond
Last year, he collected 44 tackles, 38 pressures, 25 hurries, 11 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, six sacks, and two fumble recoveries in 17 games. He posted a Pro Football Focus grade of 57.7, ranking 72nd out of 134 eligible interior defensive linemen in 2025.
Dexter has really come into his own over the last two seasons, as he has been the best defensive tackle on the Bears by a mile. He's racked up 45 pressures and 11 sacks in that timeframe while playing more than 61% of the defensive snaps.
The concern with the Bears' defensive line is that without Dexter, Grady Jarrett is the next-best defensive tackle. Jarrett is coming off a rough season with underperformance while fighting through injuries.
Chicago added a ton of depth at defensive tackle this offseason with Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, James Lynch, and rookie Jordan van den Berg. While those four will help on the bench, that does not mean Dexter's potential replacement is within that group.
There are some big financial decisions coming for the Bears over the next year or two, including contract extensions needed for Darnell Wright, Caleb Williams, and more. Dexter has to be on that list as well, since he can be disruptive on the defensive line, both in pass rush and stopping the run.
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The Bears have to find a way to keep Dexter on the team long-term, even if that means that key offensive players like Cole Kmet and D'Andre Swift have to go. This was one of the weaker defenses in the NFL, and losing Dexter would only make the situation worse.
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