The Arizona Cardinals continue to strengthen their defense in this free agency period, this time by inking stud linebacker Jordan Hicks. The Cardinals signed Hicks to a 4-year, $36 million deal, $20 million of which is guaranteed, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
#Eagles standout ILB Jordan Hicks intends to sign with the #AZCardinals on 4-year deal worth $36M with $12M to sign, source said. $20M guaranteed.??
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019
Hicks has emerged as one of the more complete middle linebackers in the NFL, showing proficiency in run defense and pass coverage aided by his outstanding athleticism and sharp instincts. Hicks has accumulated 254 tackles and 7 interceptions in just four seasons, proving himself to be a playmaker when healthy, but his health is a point of contention thus far in his career, as he’s missed 21 games in his career thus far.
Jordan Hicks finished the 2018 season as the 10th-highest graded linebacker (including the postseason). https://t.co/4kURHJOAWd
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 12, 2019
The Cardinals are betting on Hicks to continue building on his stellar play while staying healthy over the next four seasons, as they have gone all in on Hicks being their quarterback on defense with solid pieces in Patrick Peterson, Chandler Jones, Budda Baker, Haason Reddick and newly signed Terrell Suggs.
