Regina product DL Akiem Hicks signs big-money contract with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Photo: AP/David Banks

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is signing a one-year free agent contract with the Tampa Buccaneers worth up to $10 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The 32-year-old is coming off a six-year run with the Chicago Bears during which he recorded 247 combined tackles, 51 tackles for loss, 31 sacks, eight pass knockdowns, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and four touchdowns.

The native of Sacramento, Calif. played two seasons at the University of Regina after he was deemed ineligible to play at LSU due to a recruiting violation. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft and has been in the league ever since.

Hicks has recorded 387 combined tackles, 73 tackles for loss, 40.5 sacks, nine pass knockdowns, six forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and four touchdowns over 138 career NFL games as a member of the Saints, New England Patriots, and Bears.

He has earned a career total of $62.3 million.