5 moves the Chicago Bears must make following 2022 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears should re-sign Akiem Hicks to a short-term deal

Yes, the Chicago Bears should bring back Akiem Hicks. It was hopeful that Akiem Hicks would sign a decent contract and help the Bears in the compensatory pick formula. That did not happen and at this point, it would be ideal for Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus to bring him back on an inexpensive, one-year deal.

Akiem Hicks isn’t the most ideal 3-technique, but he could definitely play the position. He is familiar with many of the players on this team and would fit in well as a rotational piece in the Eberflus and Alan Willams defense. Hicks could benefit from not playing 75-plus percent of the defensive snaps. It could be a way for him to stay healthy throughout a full season.

If he is able to do this and wants to continue playing football beyond 2022, then this could be enough to show other teams he can stay healthy and deserves another contract. Bringing back Hicks would also be ideal from a fan perspective. Not that a general manager should be too concerned about this when building a roster, but when the team is rebuilding and not likely to compete in 2022, this is just an added bonus.