Report: Akiem Hicks agrees to two-year deal with Bears

Earlier last week, the Detroit Lions had expressed interest in former Patriots defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, according to Dave Birkett. They had even planned to set up a visit with Hicks after his visit with the Chicago Bears was over.

It never came to that. Hicks ended up agreeing to terms with the Bears before leaving town, agreeing to a two-year deal according to Ian Rapoport.

Hicks would have made for an interesting addition to the Lions roster. There is a bit of a logjam at the defensive tackle position at the moment. The Lions have already signed three defensive tackles during free agency, including Haloti Ngata, Tyrunn Walker and Stefan Charles. Hicks had the opportunity to play alongside Charles for the first time since the two played together in college for the Regina Cougars. The two impressively combined for 22.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks in 2011.

Hicks also had a clear link to Bob Quinn, as Quinn served as the Patriots' director of pro scouting when New England traded for Hicks last season.

Without Hicks, the Lions are still okay at the defensive tackle position. In addition to their three signing this offseason, they also have Caraun Reid, Gabe Wright and Kerry Hyder under contract for 2016.