Among the several Chicago Bears contract situations that could become an issue in the near future, the one that continues to grab headlines is regarding top draft choice Mitch Trubisky. He’s one of the few rookies left who still hasn’t signed his deal. Some fans are concerned with this. If he doesn’t sign by July 26th he’ll be forced to sit out training camp practices until he does.
That’s a fair concern, but it might not be the most important contract negotiation for Chicago. That is reserved for defensive end Akiem Hicks. He proved to be one of the best free agent finds for GM Ryan Pace in his young career. The defensive end was outstanding in 2016, notching a career high seven sacks and being one of their best run defenders as well. Sporting Charts credit him with six “stuffs” for no or lost yardage.
#Bears Akiem Hicks uses combination of speed+hand fighting to get to Stafford.Expecting even more production out of him year 2 under Fangio. pic.twitter.com/vZ5lGcZZrd
— Thomas Gibbons (@ThomasGibbons_3) July 5, 2017
At 27-years old Hicks has entered the prime of his career. Keeping him in navy blue has become a top priority for this team. Unfortunately to date there hasn’t been an extension.
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Chicago Bears contract issue with Hicks finally has hope
Last year Hicks signed a two-year, $10 million contract. However, it didn’t seem to be the type of deal he wanted. So the defender parted way with original agent Frank Murtha and began searching for new representation. That is likely why negotiations haven’t seen any progress to this point.
Well that could be about to change as word broke Hicks found his new agent.
@The_Dream99 welcome to the RSR Family! pic.twitter.com/xd4kZ28rPj
— Drew Rosenhaus (@RosenhausSports) July 13, 2017
Happy about my new representation https://t.co/5Gg3KzLVVX
— akiem hicks (@The_Dream99) July 14, 2017
Drew Rosenhaus is considered one of the most powerful and decorated sports agents in the country. He has negotiated NFL contract for close to 100 players across his career. This includes a number of current and former Bears. He helped the team sign Antrel Rolle two years ago and helped facilitate the trade of Greg Olsen to Carolina. He’s also representing linebacker Jerrell Freeman.
So the Bears have had recent, successful negotiations with Rosenhaus. He has a knack for getting things done. Rob Gronkowski and LeSean McCoy got big pay days thanks to his efforts. No doubt a big reason Hicks hired him. However, he’s also known for being fast. In 2011, following the NFL lockout, he got over 90 contracts signed in the space of a month.
That should be music to Bears’ fans ears. It means that barring another Alshon Jeffery situation Hicks should receive an extension sooner rather than later.
