Why the Packers should sign old rival Akiem Hicks in free agency

With the loss of All-Pro OLB Za’Darius Smith to free agency and inconsistent play from anyone on the interior defensive line not named Kenny Clark, the Green Bay Packers could use a bully up front.

With just over $3 million left until the Packers get under the salary cap, the franchise can start to look towards addressing some key needs. The team needs to pair multi-time Pro Bowl DT Kenny Clark with somebody. A run-stuffer. A mauler. A monster.

There is someone who the Green Bay Packers have seen quite a few times over the last six years. His name…Akiem Hicks.

In Chicago, Hicks was a top-tier nose tackle for most or all of his time there. He became a star while leading the Bears defense to consistency as they were ranked in the top 10 in almost every major defensive category during his time, especially pass-rush and run-stop statistics.

At 6-foot-4, 335 lbs, Hicks is a bully up front. From 2016-2018, he had three straight seasons with seven-plus sacks, three straight seasons with 10-plus tackle for loss, and he also had three straight seasons of 15-plus QB hits. He was the anchor of that defensive line.

In his Pro Bowl season of 2018, he had a career high of five pass knockdowns. In what appears to be his final season in Chicago last year, he set a career high of 21 QB hits in just nine games. Even at age 33, Hicks has demonstrated that he can play at a high level.

When you throw on the tape, you see some nasty things. That is a good thing. He talks trash. He gets up in the offensive line’s face. He has an attitude that teams on the cusp of winning a championship need. The Packers not only need an improved level of play next to Clark, but they need some more attitude. Hicks can provide that. His experience and leadership could be key. He could also be a cheaper option.

Now, there will definitely be some questioning of a move like this. Hicks is 33. In two out of his last three seasons in Chicago, he was not able to reach double-digit games played due to major injuries to his elbow and lower body. Also, Hicks might be a little hesitant to go to an arch rival within the division.

Let me re-phrase that. The Bears-Packers rivalry is the biggest in NFL history. In other words, the teams do not like each other. Hicks’ dislike for Green Bay might play a role in his decision should he and the Packers make contact.

Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster haven’t necessarily been bad players for the Packers. They have just been a little too inconsistent. Lowry’s career high in sacks is five while Lancaster’s is 1.5. They have forced just a combined two turnovers together in their time in Green Bay (10 combined seasons).

Hicks would be a cheaper, more experienced player that can immediately give this defensive line a boost. He and Clark would form one of the most formidable duos in the game. This is a win-now move that Green Bay should make. It would solidify the defensive line.

After the re-signing of All-Pro ILB De’Vondre Campbell, this could be the final move Green Bay needs to make the defense Super Bowl-caliber.