NEWSLETTER
Say what you want about NFL super-agent Drew Rosenhaus, but the guy gets deals done.
So I was on alert when Rosenhaus was first spotted at Bears camp, especially since one of his most high-profile clients — Akiem Hicks — is set to enter the final year of his contract. Extending Hicks hasn’t necessarily been top of mind because of other players angling to get new paper from the Bears. But perhaps that needs to change:
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
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Rosenhaus was – once again – spotted at Bears camp. But wait … there’s more! Schefter adds Rosenhaus has come to Chicago in search of an extension for Hicks. And how about this one for the road: “Akiem wants to finish his career with the Bears, if possible.”
Schwing!
This Bears defense has star-power at every level. And it has players on the rise who could reach astronomical heights. But Hicks is the engine that makes this thing go. Hicks is the heartbeat of a defense that aims to dominate up front, which will allow players on the back end to make plays. Admittedly, Hicks’ overall numbers weren’t what they were when he was at the peak of his powers in 2018. But a team-leading 21 QB Hits is nothing to sneeze at from the defensive tackle position. And let’s not look past the value of leadership and experience. But, in the end, I’m unsure of how the Bears value any of this.
Hicks has been the subject of trade rumors this summer. However, it’s worth noting that Hicks — who reportedly was given a chance to seek a trade earlier in the offseason — still wants to be in Chicago. That we’ve come to this point isn’t inconsequential. Moreover, I’d suggest it is a step in the right direction after how things were looking earlier in the offseason.
I’m not sure what an extension looks like for a player entering his age 32 season, but I’m willing to find out what the cost of doing business looks like if it means keeping Hicks.
