Former Vikings LB Jordan Hicks Signs With Cleveland Browns

Hicks is headed to Cleveland after two years in Minnesota.

Former Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks is headed to the Browns on a two-year, $8 million deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Hicks' departure in free agency became inevitable when the Vikings signed Blake Cashman to a three-year, $22.5 million deal (with $15 million guaranteed) on Monday. In going from Hicks to Cashman, Minnesota is getting younger alongside second-year player Ivan Pace Jr. at the inside linebacker position.

But if the last two years are any indication, Hicks still has plenty in the tank. Cleveland is getting a good player and a high-character locker room presence.

From our UFA profile on Hicks:

Jordan Hicks has been one of the leaders of the Vikings' defense, both on and off the field, during the first two years of the Kevin O'Connell era. In 2022, he started all 18 games (including playoffs) under Ed Donatell and racked up 129 tackles, ten passes defended, and three sacks. Hicks agreed to a restructured deal last offseason and was even better in the first year of Brian Flores' tenure, earning a 74.5 PFF grade that was his best mark since 2018. That grade ranked 21st out of the 66 inside linebackers who played at least 500 snaps in 2023. He's an experienced, well-rounded LB who can effectively cover, tackle, defend the run, and blitz the quarterback.

Hicks was named NFC defensive player of the week after recording an interception and a fumble return touchdown in a road win over the Bears in October. A month later, his season took a scary turn when he took a blow to the leg against the Saints and developed compartment syndrome. Thankfully, he was rushed to the hospital for an emergency procedure. After missing the requisite four games while on injured reserve, he was able to play in the final three games of the season. That tells you quite about who he is as a player and leader.

Hicks, a 2015 third-round pick out Texas, is headed into his tenth NFL season. He began his career with four years in Philadelphia, then played three years with the Cardinals. He's now joining a star-studded defense in Cleveland.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

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