8 Vikings that need to be gone before the 2023 season begins
By Adam Patrick
Jordan Hicks – ILB
During just about every game of the 2022 season, the middle of the field always seemed to be open whenever the Vikings were on defense. One of the guys in charge of that middle part of the field for Minnesota was veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks.
The Vikings signed Hicks to a two-year contract last offseason, but they should consider moving on from him after just one season.
Among qualifying linebackers in 2022, his pass coverage grade from PFF ranked 63rd, and his overall PFF defensive grade ranked 38th. Opposing quarterbacks also had a 121.3 passer rating when targeting a receiver that was covered by Hicks this season. He just hurt Minnesota more than he helped them in 2022 and the team should find a replacement for him before next season.
Eric Kendricks – ILB
During his prime, Eric Kendricks was one of the best linebackers in the entire NFL. That was years ago, however, and now Kendricks is average at best.
In 2022, the veteran defender led the Vikings in missed tackles with 15 and his PFF coverage grade ranked lower than Jordan Hicks’ (71st).
With Minnesota being able to clear $9.5 million in cap space by cutting Kendricks this offseason, this feels like a relationship that has probably reached its end.