Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, who split last season between the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots, agreed to a two-year free agent contract with the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Hicks’ deal includes $18 million in guarantees.
The Tribune reported that Hicks cited the presence of Bears general manager Ryan Pace, formerly the Saints’ director of player personnel, as a reason why he opted for Chicago over other suitors including the Patriots and the Detroit Lions.
Hicks, 26, started the first six games for the Saints in 2015 before he was traded to the Patriots on Oct. 1 for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. In 13 games for New England, all as a reserve, Hicks made 21 tackles, including three sacks, plus a fumble recovery that he took for a touchdown.
He recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2013, starting every game for the Saints that year. Hicks also started 14 times for New Orleans in 2014.
The Saints made Hicks a third-round pick in 2012 out of the University of Regina in Saskatchewan. The Northern California native began his collegiate career at LSU.