Erik S. Lesser / Associated Press
The Atlanta Falcons have signed defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. to a four-year, $78 million contract extension that includes $46.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 24-year-old defensive tackle joined Atlanta in an Aug. 30 trade with the Chicago Bears and has quickly established himself as an important part of the Falcons’ defensive front.
Dexter has recorded seven tackles, three quarterback hits and 0.5 sacks through three games with Atlanta. He also ranks eighth in the NFL in quarterback pressure rate at 20.5% among defenders with at least 50 pass-rush snaps.
Dexter Making Immediate Impact
Dexter has been a key contributor to an Atlanta defense that ranks third in the NFL in quarterback pressure rate at 41.6% while blitzing on only 19% of its defensive plays.
He generated five pressures on 27 pass-rush snaps against the Green Bay Packers, marking his second game this season with at least five pressures.
Through three games, Dexter has produced 15 total pressures and has worked alongside Brandon Dorlus to give Atlanta one of the league’s most productive interior defensive line combinations.
Falcons defensive line coach Nate Ollie praised Dexter’s approach earlier this month, emphasizing the importance of playing aggressively and trusting the defensive scheme.
Falcons Acquired Dexter From Bears
Atlanta acquired Dexter from Chicago in exchange for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
The Bears selected Dexter with the No. 53 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He became a full-time starter in 2024 and started all 32 games over the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Dexter recorded 13.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 49 games with Chicago and finished second on the team in sacks in both of his seasons as a full-time starter.
The move reunited Dexter with Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham, who was Chicago’s assistant general manager when the Bears drafted him in 2023.
Falcons Lock Up Defensive Tackle
Atlanta targeted Dexter to strengthen a defensive front that needed additional help following injuries and other absences. Edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. have also been unavailable, increasing the importance of the team’s interior defenders.
Cunningham said Dexter’s physical ability and development made him an important player for the Falcons moving forward.
“Gervon is a young, ascending talent whose power, disruption and impact along the defensive line are difficult to find,” Cunningham said.
The four-year extension keeps Dexter under contract with Atlanta after the Falcons acquired him just one month ago.
