The New England Patriots have recently reached out to their top unrestricted free agent, defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, a source told NESN.com on Tuesday.
The Patriots acquired Hicks from the New Orleans Saints in late September for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. Hicks played a valuable rotational role for the Patriots during the 2015 season. He took over the Patriots’ third-down interior pass rushing role after Dominique Easley went down with a season-ending injury in December. Hicks had three sacks in 13 games with the Patriots.
The Chicago Bears are one of multiple teams also in on Hicks, ChicagoFootball.com’s Kevin Fishbain reported Tuesday.
Hicks was a starter for the Saints before falling out of favor and being traded to the Patriots. He excelled in his short time with the Patriots and could be rewarded with a big deal in free agency.
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