The Chicago Bears knew their top priority left before the start of the 2017 NFL regular season was to lock up defensive end Akiem Hicks to a contract extension. True to form, GM Ryan Pace completed the with less than 24 hours to go before the opener against Atlanta. The 27-year old will now be free to put his entire focus on smash opposing quarterbacks.
Bears signing DE Akiem Hicks to a four-year, $48M extension that includes $30M gtd, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2017
Hicks is quickly becoming the best free agent signing of the Pace era. He was a force for the defense in 2016, racking up seven sacks and ranking as one of their best run defenders. Not only that but he’s emerged as a team leader and one of their most enjoyable locker room characters. Guys like this deserve to get paid lots of money.
Pace also again showed that he is willing to reward players who perform up to expectations in Chicago. Kyle Long and Willie Young were recent example. Hicks joins them with $12 million per year. That’s nice payday.
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One person who is also thrilled about this news is linebacker Leonard Floyd. With Hicks up front drawing double team, it means the young pass rusher will be seeing plenty of single blocks on the edge moving forward. That means Bears fans will get to see him (hopefully) stockpile the sacks.
No doubt the team is anxious to celebrate this welcome news in grand fashion by stunning the Falcons at Soldier Field. That however may take a bit more blood and sweat to accomplish. Regardless, it’s another sign the core of that defense is slotting into place.
