After helping Patriots, Hicks brings his winning ways to Bears
Massive defensive lineman Akiem Hicks left a perennial Super Bowl contender in New England, in part because he believes the Bears are headed in that direction, and he wants to go along for the ride.
The Bears are counting on Hicks to fuel their drive to respectability after back-to-back 5-11 and 6-10 seasons.
“For where I am at in my career,” the 6-foot-5, 324-pound four-year veteran said, “I feel like Chicago will be a great place to push forward and be a part of a winning organization.”
Hicks' two-year deal for $10 million includes $5.5 million guaranteed with the potential for an additional $1.9 million in performance bonuses.
Hicks didn't start any of the 13 games he played with the Patriots after he was acquired in a September trade with New Orleans, where he started 33 games in just over three seasons. But he was a versatile contributor on a strong line that anchored a top-10 defense.
Hicks should start at one of ends in the Bears' 3-4 defense. He could move inside in nickel situations when the team switches to a 4-3 alignment. Hicks, however, isn't assuming anything.
“I am what my coaches decide that I am,” the 26-year-old said. “I'm here to compete.”
Defensively, the Bears ranked in the bottom one-third in the NFL against the run last season, but the additions of Hicks and inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman should make them much stouter. At least that's the way Hicks sees it.
“They're making great decisions ... and I'm a believer,” Hick said. “I'm excited to be a part of that.”
The Bears are Hicks' third organization in six months, but he believes this where he belongs at this stage.
“I wanted to have an opportunity to play and play a lot and be a part of a team that has a legitimate chance to win.”
Hicks' optimism goes beyond the players the Bears have added in free agency.
“Of course I looked at Jay Cutler and said, ‘Oh man, he's going to give us a great opportunity to win every Sunday,' ” Hicks said. “It would be hard to find a couple D-linemen in this league who don't know who Jay Cutler is and what he brings to the table.”
Hicks said general manager Ryan Pace was a factor because of their relationship in New Orleans. The Saints drafted Hicks in the third round (89th overall) in 2012 out of Regina University (Saskatchewan).
Hicks' New Orleans experience ended less than ideally, when he was traded in Week Four for backup tight end Michael Hoomanawanui .
“It just ended,” Hicks said. “It was abrupt, and it wasn't expected. But we were at a time where it was time for me to move on, and I ended up in New England. It turned out to be not too bad of a situation.
“I enjoyed my time (in New Orleans),” Hicks said. “You have to be able to pick up, especially in this business, and you have to get ready to do the next thing.”
Which is what brings him to the Bears.
Housler stays with Bears:
Unrestricted free agent tight end Rob Housler re-signed with the Bears on a one-year contract. The five-year veteran played his first four seasons in Arizona. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Housler started last season with the Browns but was waived and signed with the Bears on Dec. 8, playing in two games and catching 3 passes for 27 yards.
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