Finally, the Cleveland Browns have solved their quarterback problem.
They recently acquired Deshaun Watson, who should be the franchise quarterback.
Now, the Browns can shift their focus to other concerning areas on the roster.
The biggest hole right now is the lack of talent at the defensive tackle spot.
However, the Browns could be doing something to fix that problem.
Akiem Hicks To Cleveland?
Lately, the Browns have failed to address the glaring hole up the middle.
The departure of Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi have left the Browns without reliable options at the nose tackle spot.
Possibly, a veteran such as Akiem Hicks could help solve that issue.
The Browns organization is reportedly interested in signing the 32-year-old tackle.
The #Browns have expressed interest in signing free agent DT Akiem Hicks, per source.
— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) March 20, 2022
Hicks is a former Pro Bowl pass rusher who has seen plenty of success throughout his career.
Sadly, Hicks has struggled to stay healthy over the last few seasons.
Since 2019, Hicks has only played more than nine games in a season once during that span.
He switched to the defensive tackle spot during the 2021 season, which was his final year with the Chicago Bears.
The veteran has 380-plus tackles and 40.5 sacks over his career in the NFL.
His resume is certainly impressive, but is it enough for Cleveland?
Can Hicks Help?
The Browns cannot afford to have another year of disappointing play at the tackle spot.
There is no doubting that Hicks is a talented veteran player with plenty of experience.
He could certainly help teach the young players on the Browns a few things.
Hicks is the kind of player that still has scary explosiveness despite playing for 10 years.
I never get tired of watching #Bears Akiem Hicks make plays — here he bullies his man with a strong left arm to the collarbone, slipping behind the Center and smoking the RB in the backfield.
His ability to beat single blocks in the run game is nuts. Gotta double him. pic.twitter.com/Dj5Xg4q6ow
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) December 15, 2020
The biggest concern is whether or not Hicks can actually stay on the field.
He was relatively healthy throughout his career until the 2019 season.
The Browns might not want to run the risk of Hicks being past his prime and too injury prone to be a starter anymore.
It’s also worth noting that Hicks might not be in the Browns price range.
He is coming off a fairly hefty extension with Chicago, so we’ll see if he’s willing to take a pay cut.
Akiem Hicks has agreed to a contract extension with the Bears, a four-year deal worth up to $48 million, a source says. @RapSheet was first.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) September 9, 2017
Obviously, the injuries have taken a toll on Hicks and his value in free agency.
He isn’t going to get offered the same amount of money that he did before joining the Bears.
Right now, Spotrac has Hicks’ value at $5.5 million per season.
That is fairly reasonable for a player of his caliber and with his experience in the league.
The length of the deal is also extremely important, especially for a player with Hicks’ injury history.
Honestly, Cleveland shouldn’t go any more than two years on any Hicks deal.
The Browns have young talent at defensive tackle, but they aren’t exactly ready to be starters yet.
A BUCKEYE IS STAYING HOME!
With the 132nd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, your Cleveland Browns select Tommy Togiai, DT, THE Ohio State Univeristy! Togiai, like every Cleveland Browns draft pick, is presented by @Raising_Canes. pic.twitter.com/OJZsiivPYz
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 1, 2021
Hicks could be a possible bridge option for the Browns until they find a better long-term solution.
The injuries are concerning, but Hicks has played well whenever he’s on the field.
Cleveland should certainly consider a deal if the two sides can come to a reasonable short-term contract.
NEXT: Browns Nation News And Notes (3/21/22)
