The Atlanta Falcons will acquire defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. from the Chicago Bears, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler. The trade, which occurred on cut-down day, involves the Falcons sending cornerback Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round draft pick to Chicago.

Dexter, 24, started the past two seasons for the Bears, recording 11 sacks combined. He was a second-round pick in 2023, and his rookie contract expires after this season. New Falcons GM Ian Cunningham was the Bears' assistant GM when they selected Dexter.

The move addresses Atlanta's need to improve run defense after struggling last season. The Falcons previously traded for Maason Smith and signed Da'Shawn Hand and Chris Williams, but Hand suffered a leg injury in training camp. Dexter, measuring 6-foot-6 and 326 pounds, adds a big, physical presence to the defensive line.

Phillips, a fourth-round pick in 2023, started seven games in 2023 and 2024 before missing last season with a triceps injury. Meanwhile, the Bears have bolstered their defensive line depth through free agency with Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch, plus drafting Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round.