Report: Akiem Hicks “likely” staying with the Bears

The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, who has been all over the inside info for the Chicago Bears during this free agency period, is reporting that Akiem Hicks is likely to remain with the team for the 2021 season.

“Sources who said Akiem Hicks was available are now indicating he’s likely back with the Bears,” Biggs Tweeted on Saturday. “They have a major hole to fill at CB but would keep the front 7 of the defense in place.”

That major hole is due to Kyle Fuller being released in a cost saving move, but the Bears getting that cap relief is probably why Hicks is no long being shopped.

It’s been a strange offseason for Hicks, as reports had him going from a possible cap casualty, to being on the trade block, to being allowed to seek a trade himself, to now returning for his sixth season in Chicago.

The 31-year old defensive lineman will count $12 million on the Bears cap in 2021, so a trade could still happen, but for now Hicks remains a Bear.

In other Bears free agency news, independent NFL insider Dov Kleiman is reporting that the Bears have met with 28-year old outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu, who had 8.5 sacks the last two years in a reserve role with the Denver Broncos. Attaochu was originally a 2nd-round pick of the Chargers in 2014 out of Georgia Tech.