Bears, Hicks agree to 4-year extension worth reported $48M, $30M guaranteed

The Chicago Bears signed defensive end Akiem Hicks to a four-year contract extension Saturday, the team announced. The deal is worth $48 million with $30 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter

Hicks is set to enter his sixth NFL season after joining the Bears for the 2016 campaign. He was drafted in the third round by the New Orleans Saints in 2012, playing with the team from 2012 until he was traded to the New England Patriots three games into the 2015 season.

Hicks played all 16 games last season, recording 53 combined tackles with seven sacks. He forced two fumbles and recovered one.

Hicks was owed $4 million for the 2017 season, as the second year of the two-year, $10-million contract he signed prior to last season.

He is signed through the 2021 season.