5 players the Chicago Bears could trade before the 2021 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears might get some decent draft capital by trading Akiem Hicks

Another player on the Chicago Bears roster who is entering the final year of an expiring contract is Akiem Hicks. Hicks has become a star with the Chicago Bears. Although he has not been as good on the stat sheets since Vic Fangio left, he has still been dominant.

When Hicks has missed games, the Bears’ defense has not been the same — especially in the run game. Not only does Hicks bring an energy that helps fuel the defense, but he is also the leader of the defensive line. He commands double-teams and frees up players like Bilal Nichols, Roy Robertson-Harris and even Khalil Mack.

Since joining the Chicago Bears, Hicks has recorded 27.5 sacks. At 31 years old though, he is going to start seeing a decline. Hicks is in the last year of his contract and set to earn $12 million this season. Should the Bears trade him, they should be able to acquire multiple picks or a high enough pick that it may be worth it. Marcus Stroud was traded for a third and a fifth at the age of 29, while Kris Jenkins was traded for a third and a fifth at the age of 28.

I am not sure trading Hicks makes enough sense. I’d prefer they extend him to save money on his contract this year and sign him to an additional two seasons.