Eddie Jackson has kept a low profile for most of the offseason. He undoubtedly feels that is necessary after the ugly year he had in 2021. By his own admission, it was a season that was one of the worst of his career. It is hard to argue. There were no interceptions for the second year in a row, and he got beat in coverage far more often than usual. With a new GM and coaching staff arriving, it might not be the best time to vocalize his opinions on anything.
That doesn't include making a public request. The last time Jackson posted anything that wasn't ad-related on his Twitter was March 10th, when the Bears
traded Khalil Mack. He finally broke that streak of silence with a single line of dialogue late on April 22nd.
No doubt Jackson feels like a man on an island lately. Of the vaunted 2018 Bears defense that dominated the league, he is one of only two players left, along with Roquan Smith. Everybody is gone. Most agree that Akiem Hicks was the heart and soul of that unit. Their unquestioned leader. Letting him walk in free agency was difficult, but not unexpected.
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Hicks turns 33-years old in November.
He also hasn't played more than nine games in two of the past three seasons. Age and health are two big dealbreakers with this new regime. Ryan Poles wants to get this roster younger and isn't interested in signing health hazards either. He has no prior loyalties to Hicks. All he sees is a once very good player that isn't reliable anymore. So unless the price tag suddenly gets a lot cheaper, that isn't happening.
Maybe Eddie Jackson believes this is becoming the case. Hicks hasn't surfaced at all since free agency began last month. There hasn't been a single report of him even meeting with teams. That could indicate a lack of interest. Or perhaps the veteran is taking his time making a decision. One fundamental truth is the longer he waits, the less money he's likely to command in a new contract.
If he is willing to take a team-friendly deal, perhaps Poles can be convinced to bring him back. The Bears still have questionable talent at defensive tackle. Hicks would provide them a more reliable interior pass rush presence and allow new arrival Justin Jones to play the nose tackle spot where he'd be more effective. Sadly, it sounds like wishful thinking.
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