Vikings Sign Old Teammate of Patrick Peterson
Dustin Baker
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The Minnesota Vikings are welcoming linebacker Jordan Hicks to the team, a teammate of cornerback Patrick Peterson for two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (2019 and 2020).
Hicks is a linebacker designed for a 3-4 defense, a scheme that will be utilized by the Vikings for the first time in about 40 years. And even when Minnesota used a 3-4 in the 1980s, it only lasted for a season.
The acquisition of Hicks figures to pair the Unversity of Texas alumnus with Eric Kendricks in the middle of Ed Donatell’s defense.
Hicks will likely play inside linebacker, casting into [even more] doubt Anthony Barr’s future with the Vikings. Theoretically, Barr could return to Minnesota and play on the outside of the linebacking corps, but the funds needed to pay Kendricks, Hicks, and Barr would be vast.
The addition of Hicks hits the books at a modest price, inking the defender to a two-year, $10 million deal — that can rise to $12 million with incentives. $6.5 million is guaranteed, a low sum for a productive linebacker.
Durability is paramount for Hicks, not missing a game since the 2018 season. He started his career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, drafted out of the 3rd Round, hitting his groove with the Cardinals after his rookie deal expired.
Here’s the Jordan Hicks Pro Football Focus resume:
- 2015 = 80.9
- 2016 = 88.4
- 2017 = 64.3
- 2018 = 75.1
- 2019 = 61.0
- 2020 = 50.4
- 2021 = 64.4
Hicks is the second new defender signed by the Vikings this week. On Monday, the franchise released Michael Pierce, opting for the service of Harrison Phillips instead, a defensive tackle from the Buffalo Bills.
Hicks will turn 30 years old this summer — the same age as new teammate Eric Kendricks.
The signing should, in theory, increase the chances of the aforementioned Peterson sticking around for an extra season. Peterson has hinted this offseason he’d like to remain with the Vikings.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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