As of now the Dallas Cowboys haven’t added any new talent at defensive tackle. Could veteran Akiem Hicks, still a free agent, provide an upgrade and stabilizing presence in the middle of the line?
So far Dallas has re-signed Carlos Watkins and still has the young stable of Neville Gallimore, Osa Odighizuwa, Trysten Hill, and Quinton Bohanna to work with. But while Gallimore and Odighizuwa have shown exciting potential as pass rushers, run defense remained an issue last year and may not be solved by internal development.
Brent Urban was supposed to help with that but only played six games before an arm injury ended his season. He remains available in free agency and could very well find his way back to the Cowboys as the offseason progresses.
But veteran Akiem Hicks, a longtime run-stuffer and former Pro Bowler with the Bears, presents another opportunity. And as we move into April, the 32-year-old’s asking price may be dropping closer to Dallas’ range.
Hicks has primarily played as a 3-4 DE in Chicago and in former stops with New England and New Orleans. Akiem transitioned to DT last year under new Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.
Listed at 6’4″ and over 330 lbs., Hicks is a true space-eater in the middle of the line. And unlike second-year prospect Quinton Bohanna, Akiem has a proven track record of NFL performance that could help bolster Dallas’ defense in the trenches.
From 2016-2018, Hicks had at least seven sacks each year and graded out as one of, if not the best, run defenders in football. He can be highly disruptive even as a run-stuffer; a rare and valuable commodity.
So why is Akiem Hicks still available in free agency? The fact he turns 33 in November is one factor, as are the 20 games he’s missed over the last three seasons with varying minor injuries. But these factors are also what will help drive his price down.
The Cowboys could be interested because they would be asking Hicks to take on a lesser role. They have guys to handle passing downs but are sorely lacking beef and extra push up front. Akiem feels like the best option for that among the remaining 2022 free agents.
Georgia’s Jordan Davis isn’t falling to the 24th pick after what he did at the Scouting Combine. Having a reasonable shot at Davis would be the only reason for Dallas to stand pat at defensive tackle now, but Davis should go early in the 1st round and the Cowboys will likely focus on LG, WR, or LB with their first pick.
You never know, and especially these days, what this front office is thinking. They may have more faith Bohanna’s development or that re-signing Urban will be a better option. There could be a mid-round DT prospect they have their eye on, especially if it’s for more of a situational role than a full-time tackle.
Akiem Hicks could be the best of both worlds. When healthy he’s been one of the best big men in football. If Dallas can offer him reduced mileage as part of a rotation, plus the chance to play for Dan Quinn, it could be a good short-term option for both parties.
