The Atlanta Falcons' biggest move of roster release day wasn't the guy they let go of, it was the guy they brought in. The Falcons acquired defensive tackle Gervon Dexter from the Chicago Bears in exchange for Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round pick, helping to bolster an incredibly weak DT room.
Falcons' GM Ian Cunningham is making it his mission to improve the defensive line rotation, and Dexter certainly accomplishes that. He can play nose or 3-tech, and has recorded 106 pressures and 13.5 sacks across the last three seasons--and given pass-rushing production is a major need, that's well worth it given the abnormally-low price tag.
The reason Atlanta was able to get him so cheap was because he's entering a contract year, which is bound to complicate things for the rest of the defensive line. Zach Harrison is also entering a contract year, and it's hard to envision a scenario where the Falcons extend both of these players long-term.
Zach Harrison may be the biggest loser of the Gervon Dexter trade
Here's the thing with Ian Cunningham: he's incredibly intentional in his operations. He wouldn't have traded for Gervon Dexter if the Falcons didn't plan to extend him. And the idea of paying both Dexter and Zach Harrison feels foolish when Brandon Dorlus' rookie deal will expire after the 2027 season.
The Athletic's Josh Kendall reported that Atlanta does want to get an extension done with the 24-year-old, as you would expect. You don't make this deal for a one-year rental. And by proxy, the former breakout star could be on the chopping block, especially now that he's likely not going to start and an extension is even less likely.
Nate Ollie himself even admitted Harrison's biggest roadblock is staying healthy, and between Dexter, Dorlus, and Maason Smith, the need for him isn't there the way it once was. So if the Dirty Birds have a losing record at the trade deadline, perhaps they look into trading the 25-year-old to a contender.
While the Falcons' $107 million in cap space in 2027 isj enough to extend the both of them and then some, of the pending free agents, it's more pressing to extend Jessie Bates and Divine Deablo. Harrison is someone who's been expendable for a while now, and the Dexter trade confirmed that. And given the newfound depth at defensive tackle, they can afford to trade him if the price is right.
The good news for the former Ohio State standout is that until James Pearce Jr. returns from his eight-game suspension, he could see an uptick in snaps at EDGE. He played the position in college, and moved inside when he got to Atlanta, so a redemption season, while unlikely is still possible.
Zach Harrison's breakout season was his final opportunity to cement himself as a long-term fixture with the Atlanta Falcons, and now that Gervon Dexter is in the fold, it's more pressing to extend him--which could see his long-term future with the franchise come into further question.
Add us as a preferred source on Google