Here’s the thing. Fans aren’t the only people watching television and reading social media. Players are just as engaged these days in those things too. So they hear all the same stuff as the fans do. One can probably guess that most of the Chicago Bears locker room has gotten their fill of the Carson Wentz rumors for the past two weeks. Will he be their next quarterback or not? Nobody knows. The first person to acknowledge it was fitting. Akiem Hicks.
The big defensive end and locker room leader has high expectations going into 2021. As he does every year. It starts with him and the Bears defense. One that finished below their usual standards in 2020, allowing at least 21 points in five of their final six games. Unacceptable for them and something that no doubt played a part in defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano deciding to retire.
Now nobody is sure what to expect from the defense.
This is likely playing a part in the quarterback frenzy that has befallen the city since the season ended. The Bears need to find one if they want to keep their Super Bowl window open. Wentz is available. Once upon a time, he was a favorite to win MVP. He’s been to the Pro Bowl and led his team to the playoffs twice. Also, he is only 28-years old. There are reasons to think his ugly 2020 season (16 TDs and 15 INTs) was an anomaly.
Maybe he can be their savior? Hicks doesn’t seem all that impressed. He made that clear when he shared a memory on his Instagram with a photo of him sacking Wentz back in 2017. Ironically a game the quarterback ended up throwing three touchdowns in. Perhaps this is a subtle message from the veteran defensive lineman that the Bears can do better?
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More likely it’s Akiem Hicks being the lovable troll he is
People initially thought he knew something others didn’t. Maybe Wentz was coming to Chicago. It didn’t take long for him to point out the date on the photo. An indication that it was meant to send a different message. One thing to remember here is players talk. They connect with each other across the NFL. So it isn’t hard at all to think Hicks has heard some things about the Eagles quarterback even the media aren’t aware of.
Maybe this is his way of sending a message to GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy. Move along, sir. Of course, that is probably reading way too much into the situation. More likely Akiem Hicks was making a joke to lighten the mood. Something he’s always been great at.
As of now, the Bears are still viewed as frontrunners for Wentz.
At least according to national media insiders. Those closer to the team have suggested that interest might be a bit overblown. They do like Went and would be interested in a deal, but they seem to have their eye on other options as well. Hopefully, they find somebody who can get Akiem Hicks to the Super Bowl ring he so richly deserves.