When news broke last night that there were “rumors in league circles” that the Chicago Bears was open to negotiations with striker Akiem Hicks, many fans were skeptical. Of course he is 31 and moving it would free up $ 10.5 million in maximum space for the 2021 season, but he is still playing at a very high level and is one of the most respected players in his locker room.
But with the wage cap falling for the first time in the roof’s history, several teams were forced to make unpopular decisions to get their finances in order.
The latest report from the Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune is that the Bears gave Hicks permission to explore a trade.
If an exchange is agreed, it is reported that Hicks would like an extension of the contract and an increase in his new team, which are two things that make an exchange unlikely. Depending on how much money the Bears are trying to release, it is certainly possible that they can release Hicks – much like they plan to do with Kyle Fuller – but at the moment they seem to be in a comfortable place with the cap.
These difficult and unpopular decisions are what happens when you allocate so much wage cap space to the defensive side of the ball, after losing the defender in the draft.
Keep it locked on WCG while we keep track of all the news and rumors around the free Bears agency.