Falcons make $78 million investment in star player 1 month after trade

The Atlanta Falcons have signed defensive tackle Gervon Dexter to a four-year, $78 million contract extension that includes $46.5 million guaranteed. The extension comes just one month after Atlanta acquired the 24-year-old in a trade with the Chicago Bears on August 30.

Atlanta sent cornerback Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round draft pick to Chicago to acquire Dexter, who previously played under Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham. Through three games this season, Dexter has recorded two solo tackles, a half-sack, one pass defended, and a 20.5% quarterback pressure rate.