The Cleveland Browns‘ main focus has been to establish a starting quarterback as Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders battle it out. However, that doesn’t mean the team is oblivious to other stuff happening. One news just took the team by surprise.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks made a name for himself in the NFL for being a playmaker. He was set to play for the Browns this year, but then, he decided to hang his helmet and retire. Posted on his personal instagram, Hicks said, “I walk away with peace knowing I gave football all I had, and that the best is yet to come.” The 10-year veteran started 12 years for Cleveland last season.
Every time he played at least 12 games in a season, Hicks always surpassed 78 combined tackles. He got 100+ in five straight seasons. He used to wreck opposing offenses and he is a player that the Browns will definitely miss.
Who can replace Hicks?
Last season, Hicks had 4 passes defended, 2 sacks, 78 tackles and 5 QB hits. Hicks isn’t easy to replace but the Browns have some names they can rely on. Mainly, Devin Bush, who will be playing his second season on the Browns. Also, Cleveland drafted Carson Schwesinger with a second-round pick and he will take plenty of Hicks’ former snaps.
Jordan Hicks #58 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
The Browns have a very experienced defensive coordinator in Jim Schwartz that will make sure there is a good plan to replace him. Schwartz is famous for his aggressive style of coaching.
see also
Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase names Shedeur Sanders teammate as toughest defender he’s faced
The Browns have many new names on defense
Shedeur Sanders and company have taken the spotlight this offseason but the Browns took defensive moves very seriously. There’s approximately eight new names that will have plenty of snaps for the Browns this season.
- Maliek Collins – Defensive tackle
- Mason Graham – Defensive tackle
- Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – Defensive end
- Jerome Baker – Linebacker
- Carson Schwesinger – Linebacker
- Rayshawn Jenkins – Strong safety
- Damontae Kazee – Free safety
- Nik Needham – Nickelback
