Jordan Hicks trade scenario: Eagles reunite with former linebacker
After selecting LB Zaven Collins in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals have given Jordan Hicks permission to seek a trade, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Hicks was drafted by the Eagles in 2015 but had trouble staying on the field, eventually entering free agency and signing with Arizona.
1st round draft picks can change plans: The #AZCardinals picked LB Zaven Collins 16th overall, and he is now the starting MIKE backer. The team has given Jordan Hicks permission to find a new home via trade, source said. Hicks is a respected leader & AZ wants to do right by him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 12, 2021
The former 3rd-round pick subsequently conquered his injury woes, having two productive seasons with the Cardinals:
- Played all 32 games
- 171 tackles (22 for loss)
- 8 QB hits
- 10 passes defended
- 4 INTs
- 2 forced fumbles
The question now becomes: does a Hicks reunion make sense for the Eagles? The team added Eric Wilson in free agency on a one-year deal but they lack a true veteran leader at the position. While the Eagles still need to add a serviceable CB2 at some point, there is a trade that could work out for both sides:
Cardinals receive: TE Zach Ertz, 2022 5th-round pick (via WSH)
Eagles receive: LB Jordan Hicks
The Eagles have been looking to move Ertz for months now and the Cardinals fit the bill. Arizona let Dan Arnold walk in free agency and after not addressing the position through the draft, their current TE1 is Maxx Williams. Even though tight ends aren’t really a staple in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, it would still be beneficial to add a security blanket for Kyler Murray over the middle.
Jordan Hicks’ base salary in 2021 is $2M with $1M in roster bonuses and $2M in playtime incentives. The Eagles would open up $8.5M in cap space by trading or cutting Ertz after June 1st.
If Arizona wants the first crack at Ertz before the Eagles inevitably cut him, this proposal would give them something to think about. Ertz played in just 11 games last season catching 36 passes for 335 yards and a single touchdown.
Jordan Hicks with the big play. pic.twitter.com/oAaBdUBqUJ
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 3, 2021
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Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports
