Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter could be in line for a big season in 2025. While Dexter has shown glimpses of his potenital, he hasn’t had a breakout year just yet. But that could all change this year.

This offseason, the Bears aded multiple veterans to reinforce the defensive line alongside Dexter, including signings defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, as well as drafting defensive tackle Shemar Turner.

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Last season, Dexter got off to a fast start but his production declined when veteran defensive tackle Andrew Billings was lost for the season to a torn pec. Now, Dexter is positioned to have a productive season surrounded by key veterans. This week at minicamp, head coach Ben Johnson discussed Dexter’s role this season and how he feels the entire defensive line can rise up as an entire unit.

“It’s hard to compare because I’ve only been with him now for, what, seven weeks, eight weeks?” Johnson said. “But, I can tell you this, just from afar, having called plays against him, he was a guy that really came on last year. You could feel it. With Billings being out last year, you could feel him grow into just a little bit more of, ‘Hey, I need to step up here,’ and you could see it. You can see it on the tape. There was growth. There was more production, particularly in the pass-rush game.

“I think what we’ve seen here from the D-line room, as a whole, we’ve seen a lot of guys that are pushing, they’re growing. I like to spend a lot of time down there during individual because it’s not just great work, technique work they’re getting, but they’re coaching each other up along the way. as well. We have a great, cohesive unit. Then, when we get the pads on, it’s going to be a really healthy competition, as well.”

On top of the player additions made to the roster, the Bears brought in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett to help maximize the roster. With the players in place, there’s no reason we shouldn’t see better production from the defensive line in 2025.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson envisions a big season for DT Gervon Dexter