Cleveland Browns: 5 Under the radar free agents to consider
By Randy Gurzi
Jordan Hicks, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
This season, the Browns had some decent play from their linebackers but they will likely be looking for an upgrade. While all three starters are good players, they lacked that impact player who could come up with the huge play. They also struggled to find anyone who could keep up with opposing tight ends — which was an infuriating problem in itself.
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One player who is set to be a free agent this offseason could come in and help them tremendously in this area. That would be Jordan Hicks, the middle linebacker for the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Hicks was the 12h rated linebacker according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) but really excelled in coverage for them. He’s recorded seven career picks, with a career-high five coming in 2016. The only problem for Hicks is that injuries seem to be a major concern.
He missed eight games as a rookie, nine in 2017, and four this season. Just once in his career has he played all 16 games. That could lead to the Eagles allowing him to test the open market — which opens the door for the Browns to take a risk on a player with a high ceiling.
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