NFL Rumors: Akiem Hicks, Ryan Harris, Cardinals, Steelers, & Vikings

Akiem Hicks

• According to Doug Moore, it sounds like DT Akiem Hicks has put the Lions and Patriots on the “back-burner” to negotiate with the Bears.
• Moore adds that this is likely the case for as long as Hicks remains in Chicago, but admits this doesn’t mean is a “lock” to go to the Bears.

Ryan Harris

• Darren Wolfson reports that while free agent OT Ryan Harris will visit with the Steelers, he has interest from two other teams.
• According to Wolfson, the Vikings aren’t one of them.

Cardinals

Cardinals HC Bruce Arians said their focus remains on getting the team back before looking for upgrades in free agency of the draft.

“We’d like to get our football team back first, then we’ll find the guys who improve us, either through the draft or free agency,” Arians said, per Mike Jurecki.

Steelers

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggests Steelers WR Antonio Brown could hold out of offseason workouts this year for a new contract.

Brown was looking for a new contract last year, but Florio adds that the potential year-long suspension for WR Martavis Bryant could actually give him some leverage with the team in regards to a new contract.

It’s worth mentioning that the Steelers have stuck by their rule to not negotiate with players under contract if they have more than one year remaining on the agreement, even if there’s a case to be made that they’ve outplayed their current deal.

Vikings

• Ben Goessling reports that the Vikings brought newly signed S Michael Griffin out to dinner on Sunday during their meeting with free agent OT Andre Smith.
• According to Goessling, Vikings GM Rick Spielman did say that they’re still looking to re-sign their own players.
• With this in mind, Spielman added that they remain in contract talks with free agent CB Terence Newman and LB Chad Greenway.