The Chicago Bears are upgrading their defensive line as they have signed defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, who is a veteran of the 3-4 defense. Hicks was thought to have a huge perspective free agent market because of his age (26) and position, however, the Bears signed him for a premium.
Hicks was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He started in 30 games for the Saints over the course of the 2013-2014 seasons. Hicks would soon be traded to the New England Patriots for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, where he found solid production along that great defensive line.
He would go on to play in 13 regular season games in New England as a reserve interior pass rusher/run stopper. Hicks managed to record 21 combined tackles, 3 sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown during the 2015 NFL Season.
The Patriots and Detroit Lions had interest in signing the talented defensive end, however, the Bears made the best offer in the end. Chicago does have the third worst yards before initial contact mark, as they allow 3.03 yards, so adding Hicks will make a world of difference.
He will be expected to take a starting spot for the next two seasons alongside sophomore defensive tackle Eddie Goldman. Hicks was not the first big name free agent to sign with the Bears as inside linebacker Danny Trevathan made some huge waves when he left the Denver Broncos to play for his old head coach, John Fox.
Trevathan was only one of the biggest free agents on the market and the middle linebacker signed a four-year deal with the Bears. Chicago also signed right tackle Bobby Massie, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, to a three-year deal, and former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman to a three-year deal.
The Bears did manage to resign several players that they could have lost during the 2016 free agency period: cornerback Tracy Porter, backup defensive lineman Mitch Unrein, running back Jaquizz Rodgers, tight end Robert Housler and wide receiver Marc Mariani.
Chicago may be in danger of losing starting defensive end Jarvis Jenkins as it is being reported that he is nearing a deal with the New York Jets. The signing of Hicks should give the Bears a bit more push along the defensive line as well as give him an opportunity to prove he is an every-down starter.
