The Atlanta Falcons had some big decisions to make this past Sunday with the roster being cut down to the initial 53 players who are going to take the field in Week 1 after wrapping up their preseason schedule Friday.

While there were certainly some surprises in terms of who made it, who didn't and areas on the roster which are now a whole lot deeper than others, the front office had another trick up its sleeve after announcing the roster. Atlanta completed a trade with the Chicago Bears to fortify the defensive line, acquiring former second round defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. in exchange for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round selection.

Giving up a player and a pick for Dexter indicates Atlanta is clearly high on what he brings to the table, and it seems they believe he can play a huge role along this defensive front. If the way he played in 2025 is any indication, they may be right.

With a sack total that has increased every year he's been in the league, the 6-foot-6, 325 pound Dexter collected six in 2025 and has 11 over the last two years combined, a significant number for an interior defensive lineman. With 44 tackles and two fumbles recovered, he clearly made a significant impact in Chicago.

Dexter is not as impactful when it comes to defending the run and is known primarily as a pass rusher, but given the lack of depth along the edge for Atlanta, pass rushing prowess from the interior could go a long way towards masking up that issue.

Seemingly a better scheme fit for the Falcons, Dexter is going to try to take the next step in his career and flourish as a legitimate star who could be due for his best season yet. Given that he will become a free agent after this season and is playing for a contract, Dexter has all the motivation in the world to come to the Falcons and have a huge year before he hits free agency.

It's a savvy move from Ian Cunningham and Matt Ryan, and unquestionably one that makes the team better right now and for the season ahead. Dexter should come in and make an immediate impact at the very least rotationally, and he may potentially even find his way into the starting lineup on a regular basis.