Acquiring Clark Phillips III in the trade for Gervon Dexter should not be construed as a solution to any Bears personnel shortages in the secondary. GM Ryan Poles not only failed to solve their edge rusher need, but now has depleted their depth at defensive tackle.To be sure, Phillips looks more like a throw-in. A fourth-round pick in 2023 from Jaylon Johnson's school, Utah, Phillips never became a dependable starting cornerback. His lack of size is a detriment to playing on the outside and he has not been used as a slot cornerback.
The 5-foot-9, 185-pounder with 4.51-second 40 speed has been on the outside for 673 snaps in his two-plus seasons but has not really played much elsewhere. He lined up 107 snaps in the box in special coverage situations, but is regarded as a good coverage player on special teams.
Here’s a look at newly acquired #Falcons DT Gervon Dexter. 👀🔥There’s a LOT to like here! Tremendous upside, pass-rushing ability and the strength to make an impact against the run.A massive addition to Atlanta’s defensive front at a good price! pic.twitter.com/5NMUaq0DSB— ATL Sports Zone (@ATLSportsZone) August 30, 2026A triceps injury ended Phillips' 2025 season early, so he has only two real seasons to assess. His 80 snaps this preseason produced a so-so PFF grade of 59.8. So little for a second-round pickGetting back only a fifth-rounder and a player who might have been cut by Atlanta in exchange for a second-round defensive tackle who the Bears never really developed properly does not look good on the surface for Poles. So, in trading with his old buddy and former assistant Bears GM Ian Cunningham, Phillips was tossed in to even things out a bit and it really doesn't help.Then again, perhaps the trade was made with Matt Ryan and not Cunningham because the league considers Ryan the man running the Falcons' personnel show. Bears do not pick up any cap space with the trade as Phillips actually makes more salary than Dexter— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) August 30, 2026Dexter has tremendous physical ability and at 6-foot-6, 326 pounds he is potentially a monster, but his pad level was a constant source of problems for the Bears on defense when they had to stop the run.
