5 remaining veteran free agents the Bengals should target

2. Akiem Hicks

Like Calais Campbell, Akiem Hicks would add talent inside our potent edge rushers. Since joining the Bears in 2016, Hicks has recorded 31 total sacks; however, only eight of those 31 have been in the last three seasons.

When on the field, it is impossible to deny Hicks’ talent. The problem in the previous three years has been staying healthy, logging his only full season in 2020.

Although he was quoted saying he would do anything in his power to retire in Chicago, Hicks is another player who is looking to get a ring. The Bears are nowhere close to contending (although they are in NFC, which helps), which makes me believe Hicks will be on the move.

The most challenging pitch the Bengals will have to make to any free agent will be convincing them to play in the AFC. Fortunately, this has not been an issue for them yet.

Joe Burrow cares about the defensive side of the ball; trust me, if he finds out the Bengals are interested in Hicks, he’ll have Jeff Ruby on the phone in minutes making reservations. Hicks will add to the list of players leaving the NFC to compete in the AFC.

Jokes aside, Hicks is a veteran you can bring in if Ogunjobi gets a deal somewhere else. Great teams always have backup plans ready to go.