Breaking News: Vikings confirms the departure of Another veteran starter
The defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings experienced the impact of not having Jordan Hicks in the lineup for four weeks due to an unexpected leg injury late in the season. Speaking on November 14, Flores described Hicks’ absence as a significant loss, especially considering his role as the primary communicator of defensive play calls. Hicks, who faced a serious leg condition leading to hospitalization, returned in December and delivered an impressive performance in the 2023 season, attracting potential interest from multiple teams in the upcoming free agency period.
Despite Hicks being a crucial part of the team and highly regarded in the locker room, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson suggests that the linebacker is likely to depart from Minnesota. Wolfson points out that Ivan Pace Jr. has proven capable of taking on the communication role and playing a substantial number of snaps, leading him to question the financial rationale of re-signing Hicks. With various considerations and uncertainties for the team, Wolfson sees little reason to invest in retaining Jordan Hicks.
PFF Predicts Manageable Contract for Jordan Hicks
Contrary to Wolfson’s prediction, there is a possibility that the Minnesota Vikings could retain Jordan Hicks, given the manageable projected contract he might command in free agency. Pro Football Focus (PFF) anticipates that Hicks, who will be 32 in June, could secure a one-year deal worth $4 million. This figure would result in a relatively modest $4 million cap hit for the 2024 season, ranking 30th among inside linebackers. Considering Hicks’ career earnings of $40 million, he might be willing to accept a lower salary.
PFF’s assessment of Hicks acknowledges that he was having his best season in five years up until Week 10, when a significant injury forced him to the hospital and kept him out of action for an extended period. Despite this setback, Hicks returned in Week 16. The report notes his effective movement from north to south on the field, strong tackling skills, and consistent performance in defensive stops and total tackles over the past five years. While there are acknowledged limitations in coverage at this stage of his career, Hicks is described as a tone-setter in the middle who consistently makes impactful plays each week.
Keeping Jordan Hicks Would Give Vikings’ Stability
While Ivan Pace Jr. has proven himself as a starting-caliber linebacker, the Minnesota Vikings are still cautious about handing over the starting role to Brian Asamoah, wanting to see more from him. According to Wolfson’s report, Asamoah has been contending with a shoulder injury since training camp, and the prevailing narrative suggests that he lost his starting position to the undrafted Ivan Pace.
Despite this, the Vikings may be open to the idea of Asamoah regaining the starting role alongside Pace. However, the presence of Jordan Hicks is still valuable, especially in situations that involve obvious running plays, where Hicks has proven to be reliable. Considering this, a linebacker rotation featuring Ivan Pace Jr., Brian Asamoah, and Jordan Hicks could provide the Vikings with three solid options for the upcoming season.
Flores, praising Hicks, emphasized the veteran’s leadership qualities, strong presence, and command of the defense. Hicks is viewed as someone serious about the game, committed to doing things correctly, and also enjoying the sport. Having a combination of Pace, Asamoah, and Hicks in the linebacker rotation could offer the Vikings a blend of experience, reliability, and leadership for the upcoming season.