Akiem Hicks Is Getting Lots Of Trade Buzz Around NFL

Will the Chicago Bears be sellers at the NFL trade deadline? A lot of people think they should be. It makes sense. They have one of the oldest rosters in the NFL, a young quarterback who needs a lot of help, and a clear realization that they aren't competing with anybody in the NFC. Not after the string of blowouts they've endured. So if they were to do some garage sale work at the November 2nd deadline, who might get the attention? It appears that would be Akiem Hicks. Some may believe Allen Robinson would be a more likely target but the big defensive lineman is the more popular name in NFL circles lately. Insiders close to multiple teams have mentioned his name as a potential target of opportunity. Take Daniel Popper of The Athletic. He believes Hicks would make a ton of sense for the Los Angeles Chargers. Both for his connection to head coach Brandon Staley and his value as an interior defensive lineman. Something they lack.

"The Chargers would take around $6 million in salary if they trade for Hicks, and they have enough cap room to fit that into their sheet, according to Over The Cap. The Chargers have just under $11 million in space. Brandon Staley spent two seasons with Hicks in Chicago in 2017 and 2018. Hicks is familiar with the scheme from his time playing under Vic Fangio in those two seasons. The Chargers need talented defensive linemen, and Hicks certainly provides that. A fourth-round pick should get this deal done."

He isn't alone either.

Nate Geary covers the Buffalo Bills as a pregame and halftime host for WGR 550. Not only does he think his team should target Hicks at the deadline, but he also views the veteran lineman as the best possible option.

This is further indication that Hicks has plenty of fans outside of Chicago. Not surprising. He remains a valued presence up front for the Bears both against the run and as an interior pass rusher. Buffalo and Los Angeles are both squarely in the AFC playoff chase. Adding him to the mix on defense would only improve their odds and without having to make any sort of long-term financial commitment.

Bears have to be sensible in regards to Akiem Hicks and others

Much of their decision-making in the next few days will be determined by what happens Sunday. Right now they have a reason to think they're not out of the playoff picture yet. Not at 3-4. If they beat the San Francisco 49ers at home, they're 4-4 with a chance to reach the bye week with a winning record if they can topple Pittsburgh a week later. However, a loss would put them at 3-5 with no momentum on the road against another great defensive team. GM Ryan Pace would have 48 hours at that point to reach a decision. Hold out hope the team could still rebound or see if he can stockpile some assets for 2022. Akiem Hicks seems to be among the most popular. Robinson is another. Some other names that might get some attention are Andy Dalton, David Montgomery, Khalil Mack, and maybe even Danny Trevathan.

Will it happen?

That is hard to say. Most don't think so. Not just because the team wouldn't get too much in return regarding high draft picks. It is also because Pace might be on the hot seat. He can't afford to sell off assets when he needs to win football games in order to keep his job. On the other hand, if the Bears were to do this? It might offer a clear indication of where he is at in the eyes of ownership.