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Economics, eye on future key factors in Patriots' decision with Akiem Hicks

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Chicago Bears announced that defensive tackle Akiem Hicks signed a two-year deal on Sunday night, which was a result the New England Patriots seemed to be preparing for as free agency opened.

Hicks played well for the Patriots in a top backup role after being acquired in a trade for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui on Oct. 1, and he was rated as the team's No. 1 free agent. Losing him weakens the defensive line, and in the end, this looks like a pure economic decision by the Patriots.