TAMPA, Fla. — Needing a veteran presence while rookie Logan Hall develops, the Bucs are signing Bears Pro Bowl defensive lineman Akiem Hicks to a one-year deal worth as much as $10 million.
Hicks, 32, essentially replaces veteran Ndamukong Suh on the defensive line. Suh still is a free agent and apparently no longer in the Bucs’ plans.
The 6-foot-4, 335-pound Hicks is entering his 11th season and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2018. But injuries limited him to just nine games last season and five in 2019. However, he has 40 1/2 career sacks and could be a force in the rotation with Hall next to Vita Vea.