This Las Vegas Raiders roster is very much a work in progress ahead of the 2026 NFL season, and that is alright. The Silver and Black are in the early stages of their rebuild under John Spytek and Klint Kubiak, and they appear to be threading the needle quite perfectly this offseason.
Developing the youth is the priority for a Raiders team playing the long game, but the front office also brought in veterans to show these youngsters the ropes. Adding experienced players who will still be at the peak of their powers when Las Vegas does turn it around was the cherry on top of the sundae.
But Spytek and Kubiak have still taken a lot of flak for not adding enough to the defensive tackle room. Late signing Foley Fatukasi could sneak onto the roster, but after cutting Benito Jones, Adam Butler is the only tried-and-true veteran on the defensive interior guaranteed to make the 53.
So, when a player like Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is rumored to be available via trade, the Raiders should be on high alert. Their fan base doesn't want to get rid of him, so the Silve rand Black should want him. Here are five reasons for Las Vegas to aggressively pursue Dexter.
5 reasons the Las Vegas Raiders should trade for Chicago Bears DT Gervon Dexter
1. Las Vegas could use some DT help
Simple and plain. The Raiders' defensive tackle corps is solid and has some promise, but they need a true centerpiece. Dexter could be just that, as he's a borderline elite pass-rusher from the interior, using size and length to get after the quarterback for 13.5 sacks in three seasons (6.0 last year).
He has tremendous closing speed as well, and while Dexter is still a bit of a work in progress against the run, he did record 20 run stops and 6 tackles for loss last season. He definitely has the tools to be effective here. Dexter has missed just two games in three years and plays a two-thirds snap share.
This is a high-volume, highly-productive player that Las Vegas could add into the mix.
2. Gervon Dexter fits the timeline (and culture)
Dexter is just 24 years old as of this writing, and he'll turn 25 in early October. Not only is he an established veteran at this point with some skins on the wall at the NFL level, but he fits the Raiders' timeline, as he would still be young and presumably playing well when they are ready to compete.
Las Vegas added several players around Dexter's age this offseason to show the younger guys how to be a pro, but also to contribute now and in both the immediate and long-term future. Dexter can do just that. And he has no known behavioral or legal issues on his record, so he should fit the culture.
3. Raiders' coaches have worked with him before
Raiders defensive line coach Travis Smith was the Bears' defensive line coach when Dexter was drafted, and he led the position group there in Chicago for Dexter's first two NFL seasons. So, he and Smith should have familiarity and comfortability with each other.
Andrew Janocko was also the Bears' QB coach in 2023, so he can be another character witness, too. Obviously, a prior relationship can work in a negative way, but Smith was there when Dexter was made a second-round pick, and he helped him take a big Year 2 leap. Let's hope they're on good terms.
4. Price should be right
It would cost Las Vegas, at the very, very most, a third-rounder to get Dexter. But it's more likely that he'll fetch a pair of Day 3 selections. And although Spytek loves his picks, that's a cheap price to pay for a potential long-time starter. And he'll just trade back a time or two next year to get more capital.
At that price, the Raiders wouldn't have to immediately lock in a long-term deal for Dexter, either, who is in the final year of his rookie contract. If he balls out, then the team could reward him, and that would be a welcome development. Or, he ends up being a low-cost rental if he doesn't pan out.
5. Dexter has the versatility that this staff covets
Yes, Dexter is a traditional defensive tackle. But last season, he also played 42 snaps as a nose tackle, 92 snaps out at the 4i or 4-technique, and even a handful outside of the offensive tackle. Being able to move him around the front would be a dream for defensive coordinator Rob Leonard.
Kubiak and his staff love versatility and the ability to be "multiple," and Dexter would provide that for Las Vegas. He still primarily lines up as a 3-tech, but Dexter's skill to slide around and wear several hats would be a perfect fit for what the Raiders are trying to get done defensively.
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