DE Hicks agrees to 4-year extension with Bears

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) Defensive end Akiem Hicks and the Chicago Bears have agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2021 season.

The team announced the agreement on Saturday. Agent Drew Rosenhaus said it's a $48 million deal with $30 million guaranteed, confirming an ESPN report.

Hicks signed with Chicago last year after spending his first four seasons with New Orleans and New England. He was one of the Bears' best performers on defense last season, starting 16 games and setting career highs with seven sacks and three pass breakups.

Hicks has 16 1/2 sacks and 33 tackles for loss in 77 games - 49 starts.

The Bears are coming off a 3-13 season and last-place finish in the NFC North. They open against defending NFC champion Atlanta on Sunday.

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