There's one thing to consider: trading players who can help the salary cap by leaving, but the Chicago Bears have one player they are being called about who wouldn't make much sense to move on from.
At the NFL Combine, it was reported that the Bears were getting calls about potentially trading for young defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. While appearing on 104.3 The Score in Chicago, The Chicago Tribune's Brag Biggs made sure to set the record straight on how the Bears feel about Dexter and how serious the trade talks are.
"They're not taking (trade) calls on him. They're not making calls on him ... I'm reporting nothing is happening on that."
"They've got two defensive tackles under contract. They're not looking to move one."
Don't expect Gervon Dexter gone from Chicago anytime soon
Dexter had a strong 2025 season after the Bears selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He finished the year with 44 tackles, 39 pressures, 26 hurries, six sacks, six quarterback hits, and two fumble recoveries in 17 games.
Over the years, Dexter has continued to improve as a defensive tackle, as he was arguably the best one on the team a season ago. Free agent signing Grady Jarrett did not show up well last year, so the Bears leaned on Dexter more as he finished second on the team in sacks.
Dexter is in the final year of his four-year contract with the Bears as he is expected to get $1.5 million salary. His cap hit is only going to be $2.1 million in 2026.
It never made sense for the Bears to just trade away Dexter, as he is too important to the team, especially since they have a few that are entering free agency. If anything, the team should be talking to him about signing a contract extension before the 2026 season begins.
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Bears general manager Ryan Poles has bigger fish to fry, but Chicago fans at least don't have to worry about Dexter leaving in a trade.