Chicago Bears actively trying to shop pass-rusher: Report

In a bizarre turn of events, the Chicago Bears are trying to shop a pass-rusher before the start of the regular season.

The Bears were reportedly interested in trading for Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea this summer before he signed a new deal to stay with the Buccaneers. It made sense for Chicago to be aggressive in finding help for the defensive line, something that was in issue for the team last season.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears have had trade discussions with other league teams over defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, who finished second in sacks on Chicago’s defense last season with six sacks.

“Sources: The Bears have had trade discussions involving DT Gervon Dexter, and there are multiple scenarios where a deal could get done sending him to a new team,” Shultz posted on X. 

“Dexter, still just 24 years old, started all 17 games last season and has 13.5 career sacks and 42 QB hits. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract.”

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Chicago Bears shopping Gervon Dexter

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Any team looking to trade for Dexter would need to have a deal in place to avoid making the defensive tackle a one-year loaner. He’s been a key part of the Bears interior defensive line, which head coach Ben Johnson praised on Tuesday.

“I think our interior defensive line is better than the outside world is giving them credit for,” Johnson said.

Losing Dexter would certainly hurt the depth of the defensive line before the regular season. The Bears didn’t add enough help at defensive end this offseason, and the defense needs the interior part of the line to do the heavy lifting when Week 1 starts in September.

Dexter, a 2023 second-round pick, is expected to start alongside veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who had an off-season in 2025.

The Bears lost Andrew Billings in free agency to the Arizona Cardinals. Chicago signed Kentavius Street and Neville Gallimore for depth at the position and drafted Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round. Van den Berg has had a strong camp.

Chicago would ideally like to get something in return for Dexter if they cannot re-sign him during the next offseason. But that could mean parting with one of the best hopes defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has for rushing the passer this season.

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