Bengals Free Agency: Jordan Hicks could be extra boost on defense
As Bengals free agency creeps closer, the team is eyeing the moves other teams are making and deciding if they should strike on said moves. The Cardinals released linebacker Jordan Hicks on Wednesday and he’d be an excellent fit in the Cincinnati Bengals‘ defense.
Per Adam Schefter, the Cardinals let Hicks go because they have other young inside linebackers who they’re ready to let eat. This move allows Hicks to get to the party early and find a team before the other free agents hit the market.
As Schefter noted in his tweet, Hicks had a strong 2021 season, notching 118 tackles and four sacks through 17 regular-season games.
Arizona Cardinals are releasing LB Jordan Hicks, per source. Hicks played at a high level last season, registering 118 tackles and four sacks, but the Cardinals have to let their young first-round ILBs play, and now are letting Hicks hit the market early.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2022
Bengals Free Agency: Cincinnati would be a solid destination for Jordan Hicks
Cincinnati has a good-looking linebacker room at the moment, which is led, of course, by Logan Wilson. Germaine Pratt had a nice year in 2021 and while Akeem Davis-Gaither was injured, he was playing pretty well before the injury.
Adding Hicks adds yet another linebacker to that group who could make the Bengals’ defense even better. We saw the defense improve as a whole this past season but there’s always room for growth and Hicks could make this team better. He’d also be playing for a Super Bowl-contending team, which could factor into his decision.
Hicks turns 30 years old in June so he isn’t a spring chicken but what he’d give the Bengals is a solid tackler who can step in and play well.
Hicks’ market will probably be pretty big and there are a lot of teams who need linebacker help more than the Bengals but it’s worth a shot to give his agent a call and see if there’s any interest on his end.
"Bengals could form a Superteam in 2022 with these 9 free agents"
What do you think, Bengals fans? Would this be a move that would excite you or do you think Cincinnati should pass?