The Atlanta Falcons knew exactly what they were doing when they acquired defensive tackle Gervon Dexter in a trade with the Chicago Bears. After all, Falcons first-year general manager Ian Cunningham spent the last four years as the Bears' assistant GM.
Dexter who's been stellar over the last three weeks, officially signed a four-year extension worth a reported $78 million ($46.5 million guaranteed) on Wednesday. The 24-year-old will now remain in Atlanta through the 2030 NFL season.
A former second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Dexter spent his first three seasons with Cunningham in Chicago. Here's what the Falcons GM had to say after Dexter signed his extension on Wednesday evening:
"Gervon is a young, ascending talent whose power, disruption
and impact along the defensive line are difficult to find. What's been just as impressive is the growth he's shown off the field as a man and a father. His passion for the game and commitment to his teammates are qualities we value highly, and we're excited to keep him as an important part of our defense moving forward. I also want to thank Drew and Jason Rosenhaus for their communication and partnership throughout this process." - GM Ian Cunningham
Dexter has recorded 122 tackles (59 solo), 14 sacks, and 45 QB hits over 52 career games (33 starts). He leads all NFL defensive tackles in QB pressure rate (20.5 percent) through the first three weeks of the season.
While it would normally be premature to extend a player so quickly, Cunningham has seen Dexter progress over the years, which minimizes the risk. Between Brandon Dorlus, James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker and Dexter, the Falcons are putting together a championship-caliber defensive tackle.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons GM comments on DT Gervon Dexter's contract extension
