One of the longest-tenured veterans on the Chicago Bears wants to finish his career in the navy and orange.
Former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is looking for a contract extension, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first broke the news.
“Akiem wants to finish his career with the Bears, if possible,” said Rosenhaus via Schefter.
Drew Rosenhaus, agent for Bears’ Pro-Bowl DL Akiem Hicks, has approached the team regarding an extension for his client, who is entering the last year of his contract. Rosenhaus was spotted in Chicago today and said, “Akiem wants to finish his career with the Bears, if possible.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 12, 2021
Rosenhaus has been a spectator at Bears training camp in recent days and says Hicks wants to remain a Bear for the rest of his career. The 31-year old has been a mainstay on the Bears defense since signing as a free agent in 2016.
After outperforming his contract, Hicks signed a four-year, $48 million deal prior to the 2017 season. He emerged as one of the league’s best defensive linemen, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2018 when he totaled 55 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He also became a key leader in the team’s locker room, often referred to as the “heart and soul” of the Bears defense.
Injuries impacted him over the last two seasons, however, as he missed 11 games in 2019 due to an elbow injury. In 2020, he played in 15 games, recording 49 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Set to earn $10.5 million this season in the final year of his deal, Hicks was put on the trading block earlier this offseason when the Bears allowed him and Rosenhaus to explore a move. Nothing materialized, however and Hicks remained on the roster.
With both Hicks and fellow defensive end Bilal Nichols set to hit free agency at the same time, general manager Ryan Pace has a decision he’ll have to make as he likely won’t be able to extend both players. Pace is known for giving out extensions just prior to the regular season, making this situation one worth monitoring as the preseason gets underway.
