3 Steelers free agent targets that don’t involve replacing Ben Roethlisberger

Akiem Hicks may look to leave the Chicago Bears for a winning organization

Though Akiem Hicks is clearly on the back-nine of his NFL career, he could be a menace in the trenches coming over to Pittsburgh. The long-time Chicago Bears defensive lineman has had a hard time staying healthy the last three years, as he has missed 20 games since his lone Pro Bowl season in 2018. Entering his age-33 season out of Regina, look for Hicks to go to a winning team.

While he has played for good franchises in his career, a Super Bowl ring evades him. Not to say the Steelers are a favorite to win the AFC next year by any means, but with improved quarterback play, they have a chance because of this defense. The best part about coming to Pittsburgh would be that he gets to play alongside T.J. Watt at his absolute apex, a better player now over Khalil Mack.

Ultimately, it serves the Steelers to try to be as good as humanly possible on defense next year and hopefully not lose games on offense. Defense may be a year-over-year proposition in the NFL, but if any football culture can perpetuate a good one, why not Pittsburgh? While Hicks could value a better shot at a ring over Pittsburgh, very few high-quality teams can offer him as much money.

Hicks is only a dark horse to come to Pittsburgh, but he could have a huge year with the Steelers.