Chicago Bears: Trading Kyle Fuller makes more sense than Akiem Hicks By Tom Pappalardo - January 21st, 2021
Among many important decisions the Chicago Bears’ general manager Ryan Pace has to make this offseason, two of the biggest decisions, are these. Number one is obvious — who starts at quarterback? The other is does he trade any of his high-salaried defensive stars?
The latter question is on the table because the Bears have a very tight cap space problem. The player getting the most chatter about being traded is Akiem Hicks. However, trading him would be almost as big a mistake for the Bears as was their disastrous season-ending press conference. Here are some reasons why this is the case.
Hicks was relative healthy this year and has produce nothing to show for it. He has one year left on his contract and will be 32 years old. You're not going to see the 2018 and pre Hicks anymore. That's just reality. I rather us draft and find a replacement for him than to hold onto a player just for name. With the way the NFC North has these elite WR we need Fuller more than ever. Hopefully we can draft a CB to replace Fuller in a year or so.
I'd rather trade/release Hicks than Fuller. He's still a very good corner, he's durable, and I firmly believe he can be a top 10 safety in this league when he can't play corner anymore...boy brings the wood!
In fact, I'm hoping the restructure and extend Fuller's contract for that very reason. It would give us cap space and we would hold on to a player who can be productive for us well into his 30's.
Read somewhere that Belichik prioritizes DBs over pass rushers and interior DL-men when signing FAs and resigning his own players. Makes sense if you consider that the league has become a 7v7 passing camp type of league. QBs are getting rid of the ball faster and the basic OFF sets (except here in Chicago where we get mad when Nagy doesn't run from an I-formation) often have multiple real pass-targets (sit down Dion Sims and take Harris with you, and grab Holtz on the way down) requiring nickel and dime formations as a base DEF. You also need at least 2 LBs on the field who can cover and play the run.
Don't know if that is true or not, just thought I'd throw it out there. I as well would favor Fuller over Hicks.
I'd rather trade/release Hicks than Fuller. He's still a very good corner, he's durable, and I firmly believe he can be a top 10 safety in this league when he can't play corner anymore...boy brings the wood!
In fact, I'm hoping the restructure and extend Fuller's contract for that very reason. It would give us cap space and we would hold on to a player who can be productive for us well into his 30's.
Post by Whisky Beer Bob on Jan 23, 2021 5:26:03 GMT -6
I think Fuller is the one to keep as well.
I have noticed that Hicks this past season is either frustrated with the team/scheme or combo of both. Or he is starting to lose a step. Either way he is becoming a borderline problem and may start to cause more penalties.
I want to let Hicks play out his contract. I expect the return of Eddie Goldman this year will help Hicks a lot.
Why?
The guy is clearly on the decline and will be 32 this year. We got more important players to lock up long term than to hold onto someone just because of what they did in the past.
I want to let Hicks play out his contract. I expect the return of Eddie Goldman this year will help Hicks a lot.
Why?
The guy is clearly on the decline and will be 32 this year. We got more important players to lock up long term than to hold onto someone just because of what they did in the past.
While I agree on Hicks, how does trading Fuller help the team out? I guess if you are preparing for a fire sale to rebuild the team then yes. This is not happening. The staff is trying to win and make the playoffs next year.
The guy is clearly on the decline and will be 32 this year. We got more important players to lock up long term than to hold onto someone just because of what they did in the past.
While I agree on Hicks, how does trading Fuller help the team out? I guess if you are preparing for a fire sale to rebuild the team then yes. This is not happening. The staff is trying to win and make the playoffs next year.
I wouldn't trade Fuller even if we were in a rebuild (one I support). He's still young enough to be productive 2-3 years down the road. Remember he sat out an entire season and CBs don't take as much punishment as other positions. He still has good tread left on the tires.