Bears Agree To Terms With Hicks

The Bears agreed to terms with defensive lineman Akiem Hicks on a two-year contract, the team announced late Sunday.

Hicks is the third veteran free-agent defender to join the Bears since the onset of free agency, along with inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman.

At 6-foot-5, 324 pounds, Hicks is a veteran of 3-4 defenses and should be an upgrade up front. The Bears struggled in the trenches in 2015, allowing 3.03 yards before initial contact, the third-worst mark in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

The Lions and Patriots had interest in Hicks, who spent the entire weekend visiting Chicago.

Hicks is expected to start on the Bears' defensive line next to second-year nose tackle Eddie Goldman. The club also re-signed veteran reserve defensive lineman Mitch Unrein on Saturday, but one of last year's starting defensive ends, Jarvis Jenkins, is reportedly close to a deal with the New York Jets.

Hicks started 30 games in New Orleans over the 2013 and 2014 seasons, but fell out of favor in 2015, when he was utilized more as an end than an interior player. That ultimately led to him being traded to New England on Oct. 1 in exchange for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.

Broncos Unwilling To Pay Fitzpatrick's Salary

The Broncos have reached out to free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick's representatives, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, though Denver currently is unwilling to pay the salary that the quarterback is seeking.

The preliminary talks come as the Broncos search for their next starting quarterback following Brock Osweiler's decision to sign with the Houston Texans and the retirement of Peyton Manning.

The Broncos and Fitzpatrick could revisit those talks down the line, but for now, Denver will monitor Fitzpatrick's situation while continuing its attempt to bring in another quarterback to compete with Mark Sanchez, sources said.