In the 2025 NFL season, Chicago Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance, causing frustration among fans. Despite these challenges, recent developments reveal the Bears are unlikely to move on from Jarrett anytime soon. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, several teams have shown interest in a potential trade for Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, due to a thin free-agent market and draft prospects at that position this offseason. This suggests the Bears are putting their confidence in Jarrett’s return rather than letting him go.
Financial Strategy Behind Moving Gervon Dexter
The Bears’ consideration to trade Dexter largely stems from salary cap management and the terms of Jarrett’s contract. Spotrac data indicates that cutting Jarrett before June 1 would actually create negative cap space, while releasing him after that date would save the team $1.9 million. Trading him after June 1, however, would free up $14.9 million. Because of Jarrett’s contract structure, it is nearly impossible for the Bears to cut ties without a trade. This financial reality explains why the Bears may be shopping Dexter while keeping faith in Jarrett’s value moving forward.
Trading Dexter Reflects Confidence in Jarrett’s Role for 2026
Despite finishing the 2025 season with only 1.5 sacks and battling knee issues, Jarrett remains a central figure in the Bears’ defensive plans. The decision to explore trading Dexter signals strong belief in Jarrett’s ability to bounce back and contribute at a high level. This move also helps the Bears by lessening concerns about overlapping salaries when negotiating with other free agents entering the offseason. Essentially, parting ways with Dexter is more about future payroll flexibility rather than immediate cap relief.
Jarrett faces increased pressure as the Bears seem to be counting on him to improve and lead the defense in the upcoming season. It appears the organization views his down year as an anomaly, rather than a sign of decline. For the 2026 Chicago defense to meet expectations, keeping Jarrett is critical, and the team’s actions underscore their determination to make that happen.
Next Steps for Bears’ Defensive Line Decisions
The Bears’ move to shop Gervon Dexter while holding onto Jarrett could shape the team’s offseason long before training camp begins. How Jarrett performs in 2026 will be closely watched as it may validate the team’s gamble or highlight the risks involved. Meanwhile, the potential trade of Dexter is likely to attract interest given the scarcity of depth at defensive tackle across the league. Chicago’s commitment to Jarrett signals a clear direction, revealing both their financial strategy and faith in the veteran’s ability to recover and lead.
“According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, teams have inquired about the possibility of trading for Bears DT Gervon Dexter, given that the free-agent DT market and draft class are not considered to be especially deep this offseason.” ?Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider
“Trading Dexter shows an incredible level of faith in the veteran, even if that faith in Jarrett is a byproduct of his contract.” ?Unnamed Source
Sources: Teams have inquired with the #Bears about trading for DT Gervon Dexter, as the free-agent DT market and draft class are not deep.
The 24-year-old started all 17 games last season and has 13.5 career sacks and 42 QB hits. He is entering the final year of his rookie… pic.twitter.com/7v9LhAm4QH
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 26, 2026
