5 defensive linemen Seattle Seahawks should target in free agency
![Jan 23, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) forces a fumble by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half in a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports Jan 23, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) forces a fumble by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half in a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2F12thmanrising-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F17553828-1-850x560-1001c7481bb83ee3143a2c0a0c11d08481a928788b25aac32bbff1725efd591b.jpg)
Akiem Hicks
Hicks has been a force in the Bears defense along with Khalil Mack, wreaking havoc in the run game and has a decent ability to rush the passer. He was a pro bowler in 2018 and had back-to-back seasons in 2020 and 2021 with 3.5 sacks. He would be a nice complimentary piece to have with Taylor and Dunlap.
He made $10.5 million this year as a member of the Chicago Bears defense. He would be a high-risk, high-reward acquisition given he only made nine starts in 2021. Like Campbell, Akiem Hicks would probably be short-term deal, given his production drop from the year before. He had 49 tackles in 2020 and only 25 tackles in 2021, showing he will have much to prove 2022 for whoever he plays for.
Hicks is also an older player in this free agent market as he is 32 years old. However, he could bounce back with a team that is able to utilize him against the run. Could be another option if the Seahawks do not want to commit to the defensive end who will demand a big salary. Interested to see if Seattle shows checks him out in free agency this off-season, as they look to add defensive line depth.