Signs Growing That Bears Are Close To Locking Up Key Defender

Signing Mitch Trubisky before training camp was a blessed relief to so many Chicago Bears fans. Now one contract remains that everybody agrees has to get done. That of course being the Akiem Hicks extension. The 27-year old defensive end was outstanding for the Bears in 2016. He collected seven sacks and also had six stuffs for a loss or no gain against the run as well, which led the team. He was unequivocally one of the best free agents GM Ryan Pace has signed in his short tenure. Now the next step is securing that big fish with a lucrative extension. Why? Hicks earned it. Pace has stated he wants players to prove they belong on the Bears roster and to his credit has stuck close to that statement. Willie Young, Tracey Porter, Kyle Long, and Zach Miller were all players who proved their value in 2015 and were rewarded with multiyear deals the next year. Hicks is by far the biggest pending free agent they have. Losing him would serve no purpose other than make the defense worse.

Akiem Hicks extension reportedly in the works

To his credit, Hicks himself stated in a recent press conference that he loves Chicago. His own mother is a native of the city and he was visiting long before he ever signed with the Bears. That was welcome to hear, but the Chicago Sun-Times decided to add even more good news to the occasion.

"Akiem Hicks wants a contract extension. He could get his wish. The Bears and their defensive lineman are engaged in discussions about a possible extension on the eve of training camp, sources told the Sun-Times. Hicks is entering the final season of a two-year contract, and coming off the best season of his career."

This by itself would be enough, but it went even further. Jarrett Payton was down in Bourbonnais for the players arriving. While taking in the atmosphere he happened to notice Hicks a good distance away talking to somebody on a bench. That somebody happened to be his new agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

This is a big development for a number of reasons. Keep in mind that Rosenhaus is one of the top agents in the NFL. He reportedly has 82 clients he represents, so his personal time is limited. The fact that he was there in person with Hicks is a definite sign that the two sides are indeed working towards a deal. Not only that, but this isn't the first time Pace has had negotiations with Rosenhaus. The two previously collaborated on deals for safety Antrel Rolle and linebacker Jerrell Freeman. Was it any coincidence that Freeman and Hicks attended a press conference together?

Probably. Even so it's a sign that's impossible to ignore. Barring an unforeseen swerve, Hicks should get a well-deserved pay raise within the next few days or weeks at most.