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Cleveland adds an experienced, Super Bowl champion to the middle of it’s defense

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks on a 2-year, $8 Million deal.

Hicks has been an asset in the middle of multiple NFL defenses since being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 3rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He’s continuously lauded as an excellent run defender and interior blitzer who knows what it takes to be a winner. The former Super Bowl champion provides the Browns with a much-needed “thumper” in the middle of defense, and he should slide in seamlessly next to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in 2024.

He’s familiar with both the state of Ohio and Jim Schwartz, who was his Defensive Coordinator in Philadelphia from 2016 to 2018. Though he’s lived in multiple places growing up, he graduated from Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio.

Once again, Andrew Berry was able to free up a plethora of cap space shortly before the legal tampering period began. To go along with Hicks, the team was able to re-sign Za’Darius Smith and Maurice Hurst as well on day one of the free agency period.

We will continue to profile free agents as we head into the NFL combine. Once we have data from draft prospects we will add NFL draft profiles as well.

2023: 13 games, 13 starts – 107 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 5 pass deflections, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 touchdown

Career: 122 games, 119 starts – 874 tackles, 47 TFL, 14.5 sacks, 49 pass deflections, 13 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, 2 touchdowns

PFF Grade: 75.1

2023 Contract

Final year of his 2-year, $10 million Minnesota deal

Fit with Browns

Hicks has been a good overall linebacker throughout the majority of his 9-year NFL career, and his experience along with his leadership ability should be an asset for Cleveland’s defense going forward. He’s also coming off one of his best seasons as a pro in 2023, at 31 years old.

Hicks should immediately step in as one of the team’s starting linebackers heading into the 2024 season.

Browns player signing could impact

Jordan Hicks probably won’t have any realistic competition at MIKE linebacker heading into training camp as of right now. Depending on the development of Mohamoud Diabate, his top competition might be coming from a rookie or another lower-level free agent signing.

How signing could impact the NFL Draft

Signing Hicks might not affect Cleveland’s draft plans in April. The team could still plan on selecting a young, developmental player on day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft to add more depth in the linebacker room.

The New England Patriots didn’t wait too long before addressing the loss of Mack Wilson and added a veteran linebacker in free agency just hours later on Monday night.

Sione Takitaki, 28, and the Patriots agreed to terms on a contract, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media. Takitaki reunites with a handful of current New England staffers, including offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and de facto general manager Elliot Wolf, who were members of the Browns when Takitaki was drafted by Cleveland in 2019.

The terms of Takitaki’s contract reportedly are two years with a value of $6.5 million, which can maximize up to $10 million with incentives, according to Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald.

In 72 total appearances with the Browns, Takitaki recorded 268 tackles with four sacks in five seasons with Cleveland. Takitaki wasn’t leaned on heavily while playing for the Browns, but the BYU product did show flashes of versatility, assisting as a special teamer.

With linebackers Anfrenee Jennings and Josh Uche also about to hit the free agent market, New England landing Takitaki serves as a preparation move for a potential handful of key offseason losses.

Wilson, who spent two seasons with the Patriots, reportedly agreed to terms with the Arizona Cardinals.