Inside The Vikings

Vikings Signing Former Cardinals Linebacker Jordan Hicks to Two-Year Deal

Hicks is an experienced, versatile veteran who will play in the middle of Ed Donatell's defense.
Will Ragatz|
Vikings Signing Former Cardinals Linebacker Jordan Hicks to Two-Year Deal
Vikings Signing Former Cardinals Linebacker Jordan Hicks to Two-Year Deal

In this story:

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are signing for Cardinals and Eagles inside linebacker Jordan Hicks to a two-year deal, according to NFL insider Adam Caplan. It's a two-year deal worth $10 million that could go up to $12 million with incentives. $6.5 million is guaranteed.

This is the second free agent acquisition of the week for new Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and both have come on the defensive side of the ball. Minnesota agreed to terms with former Bills DT Harrison Phillips on Monday and released nose tackle Michael Pierce shortly thereafter.

Hicks — who turns 30 this summer — is a solid pickup given his experience, talent, and price. He started all 49 games for Arizona over the past three years after signing as a free agent in 2019. Hicks was released by the Cardinals last week to clear space for young linebackers Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins to play full-time.

In Minnesota, Hicks will likely pair with Eric Kendricks at inside linebacker in new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell's 3-4 defense (which will mostly have just two off-ball LBs in nickel). It remains to be seen if this move indicates Anthony Barr is unlikely to return. Barr could play outside linebacker, but the Vikings may not have the cap space to pay three veteran players at LB.

A third-round pick by the Eagles in 2015 out of Texas, Hicks quickly became an impact player in Philadelphia. He shined in a rotational role as a rookie, then broke out as a 16-game started in 2016. Hicks recorded 85 tackles, five interceptions, 11 passes defended, and an 88.4 PFF grade that season. In 2017, he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury and watched the Eagles go on to win the Super Bowl. He also missed a few games with a calf strain in 2018.

Hicks hasn't had any injury issues over the past three season, though. Over the past three years in Arizona, he has played at least 1,000 snaps and recorded at least 116 tackles every season. Hicks is a versatile player who can defend the run, drop back in coverage, and rush the passer as a blitzer. He's not a spectacular inside linebacker, but he's experienced and will bring toughness and leadership to the Vikings.

For $5 million a year, that seems like solid value.

Because Hicks was released by the Cardinals, he won't impact the Vikings' 2023 compensatory draft pick situation.

The Vikings still need help at cornerback, edge rusher, and on the interior of their offensive line, so we'll see what Adofo-Mensah does next.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long. Also, follow me on Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there.

Published
Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

Share on XFollow WillRagatz
Home/News