4 Players the Chicago Bears should trade before the trade deadline
By Joseph Herff
Chicago Bears should trade Akiem Hicks, DT
It’s hard to give up Akiem Hicks. One of the true players who exemplifies a mean, rugged “Bears’ mentality”, Hicks always gives 100% when on the field and is a huge loss when he is off the field. The issue comes up when you see how often he is on the field.
Hicks last played a full season in 2018 with the Bears and since then has been plagued by injuries. In 2019, he only played five games and in 2020 he played 15 games but played banged-up most of those games, and it was obvious. He already has missed time this season due to an injury and likely will miss more.
When Hicks is on the field, the Bears’ run defense is significantly so much better. Leonard Fournette and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gashed the front seven for 5.9 yards per carry with Fournette, Ronald Jones, and even hardly-used Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Overall, it was pathetic.
On the other hand, Hicks is getting older as he is already turning 32 in a few weeks here. In addition to that, Hicks is in a contract year and may not be extended if the Bears do a full rebuild given the money he will demand.
It would be best to move on from Hicks for a team that could use help on their rush defense like the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, or Las Vegas Raiders. Maybe the Bears could receive a fourth-round pick, but a fifth-round pick is more likely to happen.