96 days until Chicago Bears 2017 season kicks off: Akiem Hicks profile
The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series is now underway for the second season in a row. With 96 days to go until the Bears season kicks off, we will highlight the Bears player that is wearing number 96, defensive lineman, Akiem Hicks
2016 Review
Hicks was easily the team’s top defensive linemen in 2016. While being the team’s top defensive lineman was an easy task; he was the only one who played close to a 16 game season; he truly earned it by being one of the better linemen in the league as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Hicks graded out as the 15th best defensive lineman in the NFL in 2016. Hicks had a career-high in sacks with seven and had a career high in solo tackles with 36. In his first season with the Bears, it was a smashing success and a sign of more things to come in the future.
2017 Outlook
Hicks should be inline for a similar season in 2017. Hicks will be entering his age 28 season. That is right in the heart of the prime for most NFL careers. Hicks had yet to take off into a high-end starter until last season, but it was a combination of opportunity and hitting his stride at a perfect time for Bears fans.
Even with the rest of the line being completely healthy, Hicks should now be the leader of the unit. If Jaye Howard and Eddie Goldman can get on the field with Hicks this should be a much improved defensive line from a season ago.
Future with the Bears
The Bears are in an interesting situation with Hicks after signing him to a two-year deal in 2015. This gave them no long-term commitment, and easy out if Hicks did not put on a year like he did in 2016. However, now that Hicks has worked out, it puts the Bears in a situation where they need him badly and may be forced to overpay him.
This team is tied into very little on the defensive line next season. As mentioned the two other players in line to start to have major injury questions. If Hicks can go out and have 2017 similar to 2016, he is going to have a strong market this offseason. If the line has any sort of continuity formed this season it would be a step in the wrong direction to let that go and start over without Hicks due to a few million dollars. We will see if he can prove himself and earn another contract with the team in 2017.