Lions Working To Sign Akiem Hicks

5:20pm: Although the Lions are working to lock up Hicks, the Bears – who are hosting the defensive lineman on a visit today – remain “very much in [the] hunt” for him, tweets Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

4:54pm: On the heels of bolstering their defensive front from within, the Lions are looking elsewhere for help. Detroit is working to sign Akiem Hicks, CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora reports (on Twitter).

The Lions have already re-signed Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker to clear up their defensive tackle situation, but the connection to Hicks is obvious. Former Patriots executive Bob Quinn now being Detroit’s GM, Hicks serves as a natural target as a defensive end.

Quinn was on New England’s staff when the Patriots acquired Hicks from the Saints last September, and Hicks produced for the Pats, recording three sacks in his 13 games as a rotational piece for the AFC East champions.

Detroit has burgeoning star Ziggy Ansah under contract at end, with fellow starter Jason Jones facing free agency. Hicks rated as Pro Football Focus’ No. 42 interior defender last season.

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