The Tampa Bay Buccaneers confirmed the signing of veteran defensive lineman Akiem Hicks on Wednesday.
Terms were not disclosed but multiple reports Tuesday said it was a one-year deal worth up to $10 million.
The former Chicago Bears starter joins a defensive line that includes 2021 Pro Bowl selection Vita Vea and Logan Hall, the 33rd overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Hicks’ signing likely means the Bucs will not re-sign free agent Ndamukong Suh.
Hicks, 32, was a third-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2012. He spent his first three seasons with New Orleans, split the 2015 campaign between the Saints and New England Patriots, then signed as a free agent with Chicago before the 2016 season.
In his six years with the Bears, Hicks started 77 games and was credited with 31 sacks, including 3.5 in nine games last season when he dealt with COVID-19 and ankle and groin injuries. In 138 career games (110 starts), Hicks has 40.5 sacks, 387 tackles (73 for loss), six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
