Following Akiem Hicks’ arc this year has been kin to watching a rollercoaster from afar.
In March, the Bears went from reportedly giving Hicks permission to seek a trade to not being on the block in the span of days. There was a belief in June that trade chatter could re-emerge “closer to training camp.” But when camp came around, Hicks’ agent was approaching the team about an extension. Unfortunately, Hicks has mostly been silent this offseason. He didn’t speak to media during OTAs or training camp. But finally, this week, Hicks opened up. And at the core of his conversation with reporters was Hicks’ desire to retire as a member of the Chicago Bears
Via WGN’s Rick Tarsitano: “I’ll do everything in my power to do so,” Hicks said, “That’s what I feel at the end of the day is right for me. I started a piece of my career here and it grew and it blossomed. I’ve just had so many joy-filled moments as a Chicago Bear. I can’t see myself in another jersey.”
Per the Tribune’s Brad Biggs: “No matter what I said and no matter how I phrased my intentions n being a Bear for the rest of my career, that’s what I want. … For me, less battle about contract situations and really just enjoying this space.”
And more, from the Sun-Times’ Jason Lieser:
Exact transcript of this Q&A– pic.twitter.com/l0xmFPte04
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) September 14, 2021
After reading that, how could you not want some type of extension for Hicks to remain in Chicago. Even after understanding positional value and age curves, a Hicks extension still has a certain pull. The 32-year-old defensive lineman has put up his best years with the Bears, been a part of a transformational period in the franchise’s history, and is as popular with fans as he is good at football. Toss in his efforts in giving back to the community and his candid and honest commentary, and it all pulls at the heartstrings.
Of course, a Hicks extension is one of those easier said than done situations. And, yes, I hate those just as much as you do. So let’s buckle up and Bear Down together. The Bears have short-term cap issues right now. And because of contract structures for fill-in-the-gap players like Andy Dalton and Jimmy Graham, future cap space is being eaten at before we can even get to 2022. This will complicate matters. But an extension doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Not when it is so clear that Hicks wants to remain in Chicago. That’s half the battle. Sure, the other half is a GM in the final year of his contract. And, unfortunately, that’s a not-so-minor hurdle that could be throwing a wrench in things.
In the end, I’m still unsure what an extension for Hicks looks like because there aren’t any 1-for-1 comps. But at least one side of the equation wants to keep the party going. And that should count for something.