We are one day away from the Chicago Bears’ first preseason game. On Saturday, we will watch the Chicago Bears take on the Miami Dolphins. It will be the first time that we can actually see the Bears in action and not have to count on Patrick Finley’s drawings that look like my seven-year-old drew them.
Reports are that Justin Fields put on a show in the red zone drills today. Let us hope that we can see some more of that, and even something from Andy Dalton, on Saturday. This make-shift offensive line is not ideal. The two outside tackle positions are the problem and I just do not trust Elijah Wilkinson to be the answer on the left side. I have talked about how to solve this problem over and over again, but Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace seem content. I just do not get it.
Could an Akiem Hicks signing help the Chicago Bears offensive line?
All we keep hearing about is how the team is not concerned with Teven Jenkins, how they even knew about his back issues prior to being drafted. Well, that’s great, but his back problems were not a major issue in college, but now that he’s in the NFL, Jenkins cannot even practice. Without these important reps, the Chicago Bears are at a loss at left tackle. Their backup option is far worse than what the team had last season in Charles Leno. Maybe Larry Borom can handle it?
That’s right, the fifth-round draft pick was put on the left side and apparently doing well before suffering a concussion. What is a little surprising is the fact that Teven Jenkins is ahead of Borom on the unofficial depth chart. Do the Chicago Bears believe he will be available for the preseason game versus Miami on Saturday? I doubt it. Will Borom clear concussion protocol because he’s behind Wilkinson too. Maybe.
This team should be concerned with the right side too. Germain Ifedi is dealing with a hip flexor and also has not practiced. With both offensive tackles unhealthy, this team is in for a world of pain if they don’t find help elsewhere or if the backups can’t handle the load. All signs point to the offensive line struggling to stop any pass rush in training camp — including versus the Dolphins in both joint practices this week.
At least on the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line is stacked from the starters through to even the backups. Both Bilal Nichols and Akiem Hicks are playing in what would be considered contract years. Nichols is coming to the end of his rookie deal. He has proved himself enough to earn a second contract. He does not deserve top money, but should definitely be paid. Hicks is at the opposite end, likely earning his last or second-to-last contract. Will he stay in Chicago?
Akiem Hicks wants to finish his career with the Chicago Bears
Well, reports came out yesterday that Akiem Hicks wants to remain with the Chicago Bears for the rest of his career. That is great to hear, but is it feasible? Ryan Pace brought Akiem Hicks into Chicago back in 2016. He was signed to a two-year, $10 million dollar deal. However, after playing like an All-Pro that season, Pace and the Bears rewarded him with a four-year, $48 million dollar extension through to 2021.
In 2016, Hicks finished the year with seven sacks — the most in his career up to that point. He also had a career year in solo tackles (36) and tackles-for-loss (11). Hicks was easily the best free agent signing that Ryan Pace made up to that point as general manager and maybe even throughout his entire time here in Chicago.
Akiem Hicks’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus is now using the media to try and negotiate a deal.
Drew Rosenhaus, agent for Bears’ Pro-Bowl DL Akiem Hicks, has approached the team regarding an extension for his client, who is entering the last year of his contract. Rosenhaus was spotted in Chicago today and said, “Akiem wants to finish his career with the Bears, if possible.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 12, 2021
Yes, that is what is going on here because if the Bears do not sign him to an extension, Rosenhouse understands that many fans will side with his client and blame the team. This could also help Hicks land with another team, showing how he is being a “team player”. Well, let’s face it. It all comes down to money and production.
The Chicago Bears could find some extra cash with an Akiem Hicks extension
The last time the Chicago Bears gave Akiem Hicks a contract extension, he rewarded them with two more elite seasons. He followed up his 2016 performance with yet another career year in sacks (8.5), solo tackles (39) and tackles-for-loss (15). Hicks backed that up in 2018 too with another All-Pro performance. Hicks didn’t have a career year but still finished with 7.5 sacks, 41 solo tackles and 12 tackles for loss.
Unfortunately, in 2019 and 2020, Hicks was plagued with injuries. He only played in five games in 2019 and despite playing 15 in 2020, he battled minor injuries that affected his performance. With Hicks turning 32 years old in November, could his age be a problem too though? Absolutely. Not many defensive linemen continue to thrive at his age. There are exceptions though and I think Hicks has earned an opportunity to prove himself for the right price.
Taking his past performance, his injuries the last two years and his age into consideration, Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears should offer Hicks a two-year extension worth $15 million dollars. The team can give him a guaranteed $10 million and even incentivize the contract giving Hicks the opportunity to earn up to $20 million. This is the absolute most Hicks should receive in my opinion. This is between $7.5 and $10 million per year in AAV.
The team should also have an out after the 2022 season. What this extension means for 2021 is that Pace can move money around allowing him to free up some additional salary cap room. With a few extra million at his disposal and just over $5 million in cap space left, the team can sign a free agent offensive tackle such as Russell Okung, Ricky Wagner or maybe a training camp casualty from another team.
We all know that the team needs to do something about the offensive line or this 2021 season will not go well and Andy Dalton and/or Justin Fields could get hurt.