The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, which features some new faces within the organization poised to get the franchise back to its winning ways. That starts with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, as well as overhauling the interior offensive line, adding pieces on defense and a potenital impactful rookie draft class.
Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2025 season. We’ll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
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At No. 16 is Gervon Dexter, a rising defensive tackle who should benefit from veteran help.
Background
Position: Defensive tackle
Age: 23
Experience: 3rd season
2025 cap hit: $1.83 million
2024 recap
After showing flashes as a rookie, Dexter took a significant step in his development in Year 2 of his career as a full-time starter. He started out hot, too. During the first five weeks of the season, Dexter notched four sacks, three tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. He was taking advantage of the work Andrew Billings was putting in beside him, and he made the defense as a whole more effective. Dexter’s production and effectiveness took a hit in the middle of the season, however. Billing suffered a season-ending pectoral injury, allowing opponents to focus more on Dexter. He was also playing through injuries that limited him near the end of the season. Still, Dexter more than doubles his sacks (5.0), total tackles (51), and tackles for loss (four) from his rookie season and finishes fourth among defensive tackles in QB hits with 19.
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2025 outlook
The defensive line got better as a whole both on and off the field with the arrival of Grady Jarrett, and Dexter could be the biggest beneficiary of his presence. Dexter spoke about modeling his game after Jarrett when he was younger and now gets to learn from him personally. The two have trained together earlier in the spring, and the former Pro Bowler thinks Dexter’s ceiling is sky high. With Jarrett and rookie Shemar Turner added to the mix, along with Billings back and ready to go, Dexter has the chance to shine in Dennis Allen’s defense. Once again, he’s a popular breakout candidate at just 23 years old when the season starts.
Most Important Bears of 2025: Gervon Dexter
Big question: Where will Dexter line up on the defensive line?
There is no question Dexter will see ample playing time on the defensive line this season, but his role could still be up in the air as to where he lines up. The Bears stocked up on versatile and bigger defensive linemen this year with Jarrett, Turner, and Dayo Odeyingbo, who could see some time playing inside in some packages. Dexter has always had good strength since coming into the league, and he has improved his quickness over the last two years. While Allen likes to use a standard four-man front in the vast majority of his defensive plays, guys like Dexter allow him to be more creative with where players line up. We will get a better idea when training camp begins, but Dexter could be someone who is rushing from different directions.
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30 Most Important Bears of 2025
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Gervon Dexter (No. 16)