Bears Shopping Gervon Dexter?! Are Chicago’s NFC Contender Hopes Already Being TESTED?
21m | Aug 26, 2026The Chicago Bears are entering the final stretch of the preseason with legitimate NFC contender expectations—but injuries, roster uncertainty and Gervon Dexter trade talks are creating some HUGE questions.
On today’s episode of Chicago Bears Central, Haize breaks down everything coming out of the Bears’ final open training camp practice, debates whether Chicago is a legitimate NFC heavyweight or one of the NFL’s biggest regression candidates, and takes a deeper look at what trading Gervon Dexter Sr. would actually mean for Ryan Poles’ defensive-line gamble.
Tuesday’s practice once again came with injury concerns. Darnell Wright left after having the same elbow that suffered a torn UCL last season examined, while Dexter also exited practice with a trainer.
But Dexter’s situation became considerably more interesting because reports of his exit came on the same day Chicago was reportedly involved in trade discussions surrounding the young defensive tackle.
And who stepped into first-team work after Dexter left?
🔥 Jordan van den Berg.
The rookie has been one of Chicago’s biggest camp and preseason standouts, and Ben Johnson called him a “beast” and said he is “firmly in the mix.” Van den Berg worked alongside Grady Jarrett with the starting defense Tuesday.
The offensive line remains unsettled as well.
Braxton Jones continues receiving first-team left tackle reps, even though Ben Johnson acknowledged Chicago still isn’t completely settled on who will start Week 1 in Carolina. Ozzy Trapilo was in pads but had not yet progressed into team drills.
Meanwhile, two offensive playmakers continue trending upward.
🏃 D’Andre Swift ripped off several productive runs and scored a 14-yard red-zone touchdown, with observers describing him as one of Chicago’s best players throughout camp.
🎯 Rome Odunze also had a strong practice, connecting with Caleb Williams for a touchdown on third-and-1 and a 30-yard conversion on third-and-10.
Then we get into the BIGGER conversation:
Are the Chicago Bears actually ready to contend for the NFC—or are they being set up as one of football’s biggest regression stories?
Chicago enters the season with legitimate expectations after winning the NFC North and building one of football’s most explosive offenses. NFL.com placed the Bears 10th in its preseason power rankings, with injuries among the biggest reasons Chicago wasn’t even higher.
But there’s another side.
Ben Johnson himself has acknowledged the Bears are being viewed as a major regression candidate. Chicago also won seven games after trailing in the final two minutes last season, an incredible accomplishment but also one that may be difficult to repeat.
The Bears now have contender problems.
Caleb Williams is no longer being judged like a developing quarterback.
The offense needs to become more efficient—not just explosive.
The defense has to overcome injuries.
And the trenches need to prove they can survive against playoff-caliber opponents.
Then there’s Gervon Dexter.
Dexter is entering the final year of his rookie contract after producing 44 tackles, six tackles for loss and a career-high six sacks in 2025. If Chicago doesn’t view him as a long-term core player, moving him now could allow Ryan Poles to extract value before facing an expensive contract decision.
But trading him could make Chicago’s biggest roster concern even worse.
The Bears have bodies along the defensive line.
What they may NOT have is enough proven difference-makers.
Moving Dexter would increase the burden on Grady Jarrett, Neville Gallimore, Jordan van den Berg, Kentavius Street and Shemar Turner, while putting even more pressure on Montez Sweat, Austin Booker and Dayo Odeyingbo to generate disruption.
So the question isn’t simply:
What can Chicago get for Gervon Dexter?
Can a team trying to win the NFC afford to make its biggest weakness even weaker?
🎙️ Chicago Bears Central
Hosted by Haize
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