Vikings add a reliable new linebacker to their 2022 defense

On the second unofficial day of free agency, the Minnesota Vikings reportedly reached a two-year deal with former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Hicks.

Two days into his first free agency period with the franchise, new Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is already making his presence felt. After landing former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips on Monday, Adofo-Mensah followed that up on Tuesday when he convinced former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Hicks to sign with the Vikings.

After spending the last three seasons with the Cardinals, Hicks has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with Minnesota that comes with a max value of $12 million, according to SiriusXM’s Adam Caplan.

With Arizona in 2021, the 29-year-linebacker started 17 games and accumulated 116 tackles (seven for a loss), eight pressures, five QB hits, five pass breakups, and four sacks. PFF graded Hicks as the 30th-best linebacker in the NFL last season (out of 87).

What does the addition of Jordan Hicks mean for the other Minnesota Vikings linebackers?

Presumably, Hicks was signed by the Vikings due to his performance in a 3-4 defense, an alignment that Minnesota will be switching to this year. But will he be lining up next to Eric Kendricks on the inside, or will he be replacing Kendricks?

What does the addition of Hicks also mean for the possibility of Anthony Barr returning for the 2022 season? Barr is a free agent, and he might be left on the outside now that the Vikings are committing a good amount of money to Hicks and Kendricks.

When the new regime of Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell arrived a few weeks ago, we knew Minnesota was going to experience some changes this offseason.

The changes since free agency started on Monday have been a little subtle, but we should expect even more to take place with the Vikings during the next few weeks.