Elijah Hicks

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		61	—	3	122
2025		17	0	0	19
2024		12	0	2	40
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Bears secured a reasonable depth piece at a modest price point, landing Elijah Hicks on a $2.6M AAV deal that earns a C CVI — a fair market transaction for what Chicago is getting. Hicks projects as a depth piece in the safety room, and his $2.6M salary aligns appropriately with that role, avoiding the trap of overpaying for special teams contributors who occasionally see defensive snaps. At this stage of his career, the one-year structure makes perfect sense, giving both sides flexibility while the Bears evaluate whether Hicks can develop into anything more substantial than a rotational player. The $1.7M guaranteed portion provides reasonable security without creating long-term financial risk, which is exactly how you should structure deals for players in Hicks' tier. This is solid roster-building around the margins — Chicago didn't break the bank for depth, but they also didn't get a steal on an undervalued talent, making this a straightforward depth addition that won't move the needle significantly in either direction.

Performance Analysis

Elijah Hicks earns an F for the Bears at safety, a player who has not been able to earn a consistent role in Chicago's secondary. Hicks has been used primarily on special teams, and his defensive appearances have been uninspiring. His coverage instincts and range are behind where they need to be for an NFL safety. The Bears have been investing in their defense, and Hicks has not been part of that investment. He is a fringe roster player whose NFL future is uncertain.

Fan Sentiment

A modest depth retention move that keeps roster continuity but adds little upside. Multiple reports confirmed the re-signing, signaling mutual interest without generating significant buzz. Hicks' own quote about the Bears 'believing in him' suggests he's a fringe roster contributor, not a core piece. Fans view this as a low-risk, low-reward move to shore up safety depth cheaply. Hicks projects as a special teams ace and emergency backup rather than a meaningful defensive contributor.