Akiem Hicks sure sounds like a player who wants to stick around for a while.
The standout defensive end recently hired super-agent Drew Rosenhaus, and the timing couldn’t be better for the free-agent to be. Hicks is looking to cash in on a big contract, and can do just that if he matches the kind of numbers he produced in his first season with the Bears. While speaking with the media as players arrived to Bourbonnais for training camp, Hicks said he wants to sign an extension and finish his career in Chicago.
“I’m completely open to ending my career here,” Hicks told the assembled media in Bourbonnais. “I’m interested in playing here for a long time.”
For what it’s worth, Hicks is saying all the right things and seems to enjoy the idea of staying in a Chicago Bears uniform. He even noted that his mother is from the Chicagoland area, and added that she was excited to see her son play in her home town.
The Bears signed Hicks for a bargain last offseason, inking the defensive end to a two-year deal worth $10 million. If he can replicate his first season with the Bears, the significant pay raise he seeks will certainly be coming his way. We recently explored what a potential extension for Hicks would look like based on recent contracts signed by similar players, if you’re interested in some conjecture.
For what it’s worth, GM Ryan Pace was asked about Hicks’ contract status, but refused to elaborate on the possibility of extending Hicks. Pace said he was mindful of all the players who are entering the final year of their contracts but would keep any discussion related to extensions in house.