In the same week that the Chicago Bears welcomed Andy Dalton into town, they also parted ways with one of their most prominent veterans, on Thursday releasing former Pro Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller to save $ 11 million. in wage ceiling space. It turns out that Fuller may not be the only ex-All-Pro to come out of the team’s defense. According Chicago TribuneBears’ Brad Biggs gave permission for veteran defensive striker Akiem Hicks to seek an exchange.
A Pro Bowler and All-Pro honoree in 2018, Hicks was once considered one of the NFL’s top strikers, registering at least seven sacks in three consecutive 2016-2018 seasons, anchoring the D-line in one of the best defending championships and winning a four-year extension, $ 48 million. At 31, however, and coming out of two seasons in a row calmer, including a 2019 campaign in which multiple injuries limited him to five games, Hicks was speculated as a potential commercial chip or limit victim.
The Bears entered the free agency under the 2021 salary cap, and Fuller’s release gives them more space, but Hicks is still expected to cost $ 12 million this year. Cutting out the veteran defensive striker would save only $ 1.5 million of that total for Chicago.
In the event that Hicks was negotiated by Biggs, the former Saints and Patriots would seek a “substantial increase in a new contract”, although this seems unlikely considering his age and career path.