With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, barring any subsequent moves that may land as notable, we have a pretty clear picture of what the Chicago Bears' roster will look like in 2026. Of course, those draft picks sent a message to some incumbent players, while also leaving some winners and losers in their wake.
The No. 1 negative headline of the Bears' draft has been how they didn't draft an edge rusher. But at least there's a core plan there, as the development of Austin Booker and Shemar Turner is being leaned into.
Elsewhere along the defensive line, despite multiple opportunities to do so sooner, the Bears didn't draft a defensive tackle until the sixth round when they added Jordan van den Burg.
During a recent appearance on ESPN 1000's "Waddle and Silvy", ESPN's Courtney Cronin was asked which Bears' defensive player has the most pressure on them in 2026. She offered someone who may be hiding in plain sight.
Courtney Cronin reveals Bears' defender who has a lot at stake in 2026
"I actually think it's Gervon Dexter", Cronin said..."Because he came along last season a little late. Same thing with Austin Booker, but Austin Booker's a fourth-round pick, and Gervon Dexter's supposed to be your three-technique of the future. I think there's a lot for him going into a contract year, where he'll want to play at the absolute best level. He'll be motivated to do that."
"It's a position, that, if Dennis Allen decides that guy is not good enough to play in his defense, that's one that they should be targeting next year. Some of the early initial projections are that this is gonna be a pretty deep defensive tackle class (in the draft), unlike this year's defensive tackle class."
Dexter set a career-high with six sacks last season. Over the last two seasons, he has recorded 11 sacks and 83 quarterback pressures. But by the eye test and Pro Football Focus grades, he has left a lot to be desired as a run defender. He is also, as Cronin noted, entering the final year of his rookie contract, with no significant buzz about an extension coming his way this offseason.
Read more: A lingering trade target is out there for the Bears to consider swooping in on
Motivation should not be an issue for Dexter in his contract year, and, whether by plan or circumstance, the Bears are giving him the runway to have his best season. Pressure in terms of his future in Chicago is one thing, but in terms of his overall career track, there's a ton at stake for the former second-round pick in 2026.
Add us as a preferred source on Google