Bleacher Report Recommends Viking-Killer Free Agent for Minnesota
Dustin Baker
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Although the Minnesota Vikings lost on Sunday at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the club’s run defense actually performed quite well, a factoid that will be forgotten because of the scoreboard — and fair enough.
Bleacher Report Recommends Viking-Killer Free Agent for Minnesota
Tampa Bay’s runners rushed the ball 33 times for 73 yards, a 2.2 yards-per-carry average. Outwardly, the Vikings just need to focus on consistency all around defensively, carrying a wonderful 1st Half performance into Quarters 3 and 4, which did not happen in Week 1.
Despite the commendable rushing defense, Bleacher Report offered a free-agent solution to help shore up the middle of the Vikings defensive line, a man named Akiem Hicks.
If the name rings a bell, well, it should. Hicks was a Viking killer for six seasons with the Chicago Bears, a defensive tackle who always caused Minnesota heartburn.
BR published an article Monday detailing one player each team should target in light of Week 1 transgressions, and for the Vikings, that was Hicks.
“While the Vikings do have good run defenders on the interior of their defensive line, they’re lacking someone who can put pressure on the quarterback. Hicks might be past his prime, but he could serve a rotational role by taking some of the pressure off Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard and Dean Lowry on third downs with his 41.5 career sacks,” Bleacher Report opined.
Hicks joined the Buccaneers last year, his fourth NFL team, previously spending time with the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, and Bears.
BR added, “Plus, the former Bear has familiarity with the division and would bring veteran experience to a team that is gunning for a Lombardi Trophy.”
Hicks, 33, has produced 409 tackles, 115 QB hits, 75 tackles for loss, 41.5 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles in 11 NFL seasons. He’s a free agent, perhaps waiting to latch onto a contender for one or two final hurrahs. Whether the Vikings can morph into a contender after Sunday’s gaffe against the Buccaneers remains to be seen.
The one-time Pro Bowler fetched a 61.9 Pro Football Focus grade last season with Tampa Bay, starting and playing 11 games. It is unclear where Hicks would fit on the Vikings defensive line, but there would possibly be a demotion for Jonathan Bullard.
Minnesota was linked to Hicks in the shadows of 2022 free agency, but Bleacher Report‘s mention is a first-of-its-kind development for 2023.
Hicks will turn 34 in November.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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