Broncos free agency: 3 possible Bears cuts to watch for
The Denver Broncos will undoubtedly look to be opportunistic in addition to aggressive on the 2021 free agent market.
Because the salary cap is decreasing league-wide, teams are being forced to make some very tough roster cuts or trades.
The Broncos are not exempt from this as we have been holding our collective breath as the team deliberates what to do with players like Von Miller, Kareem Jackson, Phillip Lindsay, and other key in-house free agents.
Although the team might not be poised to go after the biggest names on the free agent market, they might be interested in players who are cap casualties and can come in and play at a high level for at least a couple of seasons.
Specifically, the Chicago Bears are a team of focus right now. The Bears just placed the franchsie tag on wide receiver Allen Robinson, worth $18 million roughly for this coming season. That move has put the Bears nearly $20 million in the red on the salary cap. Even if the 2021 salary cap comes in at around $188 million, the Bears would be $12 million over the cap and would need to find their way under.
There are some possible cuts they could be making that the Broncos need to keep eyes on. Let’s take a look at three.
1. Akiem Hicks, DL (age: 31)
By midseason, Akiem Hicks will be 32 years of age. The Bears ideally would want to keep him because he’s been so good since signing with them in 2016, but Hicks has zero guaranteed salary and they could free up $10.5 million with just $1.5 million in dead money by cutting him loose.
Why would the Broncos want Hicks?
Well, in addition to defensive line being one of the team’s top free agency priorities, Hicks has thrived already in Vic Fangio’s defense.
From 2016-18 (48 games), Hicks racked up 163 total tackles, 38 tackles for loss, 53 QB hits, 23 sacks, five forced fumbles, and seven passes batted.
He is absolutely massive at 6-foot-4, 352 pounds, and he is a savvy veteran who can play a variety of positions on the defensive front.
Perhaps the Broncos could not only bring in Hicks but also Bears free agent Roy Robertson-Harris, who has proven to be an excellent part-time player in the Fangio defense.