Akiem Hicks proved his worth in the first year of his contract with the Chicago Bears and would to remain with the organization for the long-term.

“Would I sign back in Chicago? Hell, yeah. In a heartbeat. My mom loves this city. I love this city,” Hicks said, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. “My mother was back there saying, ‘Oh, baby, Chicago wants you? You going to go play for Chicago?’ She loves it. She’s from here. It’s becoming home and I would love to continue playing here if the situation permits.”

Hicks signed a two-year deal with the Bears last offseason and exceeded expectations in his first season.

He started all 16 games for the Bears and recorded 54 tackles, seven sacks, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Amid all the injuries on defense last year for Chicago, Hicks was the team's one constant.

Per Pro Football Focus, Hicks was the NFL's seventh best 3-4 defensive end against the run and ninth-best pass-rushing defensive end. In total he was credited with 10 quarterback hits and 32 quarterback hurries in 931 total snaps.

Hicks signed a two-year deal worth $10 million last offseason and Spotrac recently determined what his market value is heading into his final year. Spotrac lists his Calculated Market Value at $10.6 million in annual salary and believes he is worth of a three-year deal worth slightly more than $32 million.

As the Bears look to build up their defense for the future, Hicks proved in just one season he has what it takes to be a building block for the organization. He will not turn 28 until November and is entering the prime of his career.

Chicago should reward him now before his price tag gets too big.