The Chicago Bears let Justin Jones walk in free agency. That was a clear signal the organization was ready to lean on Gervon Dexter as their new starting three-technique defensive tackle. It isn’t hard to see why. The former 2nd round pick finished 2023 strong, notching 2.5 sacks in his final five games. Word from Halas Hall is he arrived at spring practices in excellent shape, looking much slimmer and better conditioned than a year ago. That has made many wonder if he’s poised for a breakout season.
That is undoubtedly the plan. Gabby Hajduk of Chicagobears.com spoke to Dexter about his personal goals for the upcoming season. He has four of them written down on his phone’s lock screen as a constant reminder.
Say this for Dexter: he isn’t afraid to aim high. The Bears have had several great defensive tackles over the past 30 years. None of them have managed to reach the mark of eight sacks and 15 tackles for a loss in one season. The only one who did so was Akiem Hicks in 2017, and that was technically as a 3-4 defensive end. Tackles for a loss didn’t start getting tracked as a stat until 1999, so it’s uncertain if guys like Jim Flanigan or Steve McMichael accomplished it.
Defensive tackles have a hard time thriving in both categories. They are usually good at getting sacks or tackles for a loss, not both. Aaron Donald was one exception. He crossed the 8 sacks/15 TFLs mark nine times in his career. Warren Sapp managed it once in 2000. Bryant Young did it twice. La’Roi Glover did it once. Chris Jones has done it once. These are Hall of Famers or soon-to-be Hall of Famers. That should give you an idea of the bar Dexter is trying to clear. He would establish himself as one of the best players in the NFL were he to reach them.
This is exactly what the Bears want. The three-technique is the engine that drives the entire ship. If Gervon Dexter can become a serious presence as an interior pass rusher, the entire system will function at its highest level. Teams trying to deal with him will have to take blockers away from stopping Montez Sweat. That creates matchup advantages, which often leads to more pressure. Once the front four can apply heat on their own, it’s all over. Dexter knows the expectations on his shoulders. They don’t come from the coaches or the fans but from himself.
