Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign former Pro Bowler Akiem Hicks
Hicks made the Pro Bowler in 2018 with Chicago but dealt with injuries last season
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Former Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks is leaving Chicago for sunny Florida.
The Buccaneers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the veteran defensive tackle, who heads to Tampa Bay following six seasons in the Windy City.
ESPN reported that the deal is worth up to $10 million.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears walks across the field before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on Jan. 6, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The decision by Hicks to join the Buccaneers likely means that defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh won't be back for a fourth season in Tampa Bay.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Suh, who won Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers, has yet to sign with another team during the offseason.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive End Ndamukong Suh (93) rushes the passer during the NFL Wild Card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 16, 2022 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hicks, 32, was a productive player in Chicago who is known for his run-stopping ability. He made the Pro Bowl in 2018, totaling 7.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits.
Hicks was a key member of the Bears' defense that helped get Chicago to the Wild Card round in 2019 and 2021. The Bears lost both of those playoff games.
BEARS' JUSTIN FIELDS OPTIMISTIC FOR 2ND SEASON, READY TO REVAMP CULTURE IN ORGANIZATION
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The defensive lineman joined the Bears on a two-year contract in 2016.
In his first season, Hicks totaled seven sacks and 54 tackles, leading him to earn a four-year, $48 million contract extension in 2017, which kept him with Chicago through the 2021 season.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles under pressure from Chicago Bears' Akiem Hicks during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. ((AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast))
Last season, Hicks battled injuries as he started just nine games, earning 3.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Originally a third-round pick by the Saints in the 2012 NFL Draft, Hicks started 33 games in New Orleans. He was traded to the New England Patriots during the 2015 season prior to his stint with the Bears.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Hicks totaled 40.5 sacks, 387 tackles and 111 quarterback hits during his 10 seasons in the NFL.