Every offseason, there’s always talk about who the Chicago Bears will potentially trade for and trade away. This year is no different.
With negative $5.3 million in cap space (as of February 2nd) according to OverTheCap.com, the Bears aren’t exactly in a position to acquire a premier player like Maxx Crosby. They are, however, a team that could trade away some veteran players.
That said, Bleacher Report listed a Bears starter who hasn’t been in many trade discussions this offseason as a top trade target for the Jacksonville Jaguars: defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.
Gervon Dexter Sr. Listed as Top Trade Target for the Jaguars
GettyGervon Dexter Sr. #99 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a sack during the second half against the Cleveland Browns on December 14, 2025.
Straight out of the gate, it’s extremely hard to envision the Bears trading away Dexter Sr. to the Jaguars, let alone any team.
A key weak spot on the Bears’ defense has been on the defensive line, but Dexter has been a bright spot. Last season, the 25-year-old racked up 44 total tackles, a career-high six sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
Here’s what Bleacher Report had to say on linking Dexter to the Jaguars:
“Gervon Dexter is coming off his best season, but he’s also entering the final year of his [$6.7 million] rookie deal. The Bears have a lot of talent in the defensive tackle room so it would be worth a call to see if he could become Arik Armstead’s heir apparent.”
Quite the contrary. The Bears, despite going out and signing Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo last offseason, finished 31st in pass-rush win rate (29%) and 26th in run-stop win rate (29%) according to ESPN statistics.
If anything, the Bears need to add talent, not take away, on the defensive line.
One last note on the Jaguars, they are currently in a worse position financially (negative $11.4 million in cap space) and are in danger of losing star linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency, according to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco.
“Linebacker Devin Lloyd (a second-team All-Pro) is also a free agent, but the estimated franchise tag of $27.5 million is too high and he’ll demand a big contract in FA, so the Jaguars are likely out on him.”
It would be better for the Jaguars to try to retain Lloyd, rather than go out and make a trade for Dexter.
Defensive Line Prospects the Bears Can Target in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Bears, instead of trading Dexter away, will look to pair a rookie DT to grow alongside him. Here are some of the top defensive tackles in this year’s NFL Draft, according to some of the top draft analysts over at ESPN:
- Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
- Peter Woods, Clemson
- Caleb Banks, Florida
- Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
- Christen Miller, Georgia
- Domonique Orange, Iowa State
If Dexter had his pick, it would probably be Caleb Banks since they both played at Florida. Either way, he shouldn’t worry about being traded away this offseason as the Bears need to add to the defensive line, not give away.
Bears’ Surprise $6.7M Starter Listed as Top Trade Target for Jaguars