Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was at Bears practice Thursday and has been looking for a contract extension.
“Akiem wants to finish his career with the Bears,” Rosenhaus told ESPN, “if possible.”
Hicks is in the final season of a four-year, $48 million deal and has been worth every penny. The question for Bears general manager Ryan Pace is what his value would be in 2022 and beyond given that he will be 32 at the start of next season and the Bears have talented, young defensive linemen Eddie Goldman and Bilal Nichols. They also drafted Khyiris Tonga in the seventh round, and he already is getting first-team snaps while Goldman is on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Hicks has been the heart of the Bears’ defense and an elite defensive tackle since arriving in 2016. He has 27.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and 222 tackles.
Hicks reportedly wanted out of Chicago in the offseason with no traction on a long-term deal and the team making cost-cutting moves to get out of its salary-cap problems.
“Every year he comes in with a little chip on his shoulder,” coach Matt Nagy said when asked if Hicks’ contract situation is driving him. “It’s not just this year. He did it every year that I’ve been here.”
Hicks has refused to speak to the media since training camp began.
