Buffalo Bills: 4 defensive tackles to target at this point in the offseason

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 09: Kawann Short #99 of the Carolina Panthers participates in warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on August 9, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. Carolina defeats Buffalo in the preseason game 28-23. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 09: Kawann Short #99 of the Carolina Panthers participates in warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on August 9, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. Carolina defeats Buffalo in the preseason game 28-23. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Bills
Nov 8, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Akiem Hicks

Of the four defensive tackles on this list, Akiem Hicks is currently the only one that the Buffalo Bills would have to trade for. The veteran tackle with the Chicago Bears was granted permission to seek a trade at the beginning of the offseason however nothing has been completed yet.

While the Bills are close in terms of cap space to take on the $12 million cap hit Hicks has this season, the team would likely be more interested if he were released and they could sign him to a new deal.

Akiem Hicks has spent the past five seasons with the Chicago Bears and has played some of his best football. He is a defensive tackle that not only can stop the run but provide a little more pass rush than someone like Star Lotulelei. Hicks has had seven or more sacks in three of his five seasons with the Bears.

The combination of Lotulelei, who can be used on clear run downs, and Hicks, who can contribute both ways, could complement each other well and help this defense.

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