Atlanta Falcons add DT Gervon Dexter in a trade with the Chicago Bears

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to acquire defensive tackle Gervon Dexter in a trade with the Chicago Bears.

The Falcons are sending cornerback Clark Phillips and a fifth-round pick to the Bears for Dexter, who had a career-high six sacks in 17 games last season. The deal, which was announced on Sunday, is pending physicals.

Dexter, who turns 25 in October, is going into the last year of his rookie contract. Atlanta general manager Ian Cunningham was part of Chicago's front office when the Bears selected Dexter in the second round of the 2023 draft out of Florida.

Dexter did not travel with the Bears to Tennessee for their final preseason game because of a hamstring injury.

Dexter's departure clears the way for defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg to take on a more prominent role after an impressive training camp. Van den Berg was a sixth-round pick in April.

Phillips joins a secondary hit hard by injuries. Safety Coby Bryant had surgery on his left knee on Aug. 7. Cornerback Kyler Gordon is working his way back from a calf issue.

The 5-foot-9 Phillips has one interception in 28 career games, including seven starts. Phillips, a fourth-round pick in 2023, missed most of last season with a triceps injury.

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