Vikings player No. 5
Jordan Hicks, linebacker
Unlike the younger players on this list, it looked like the Minnesota Vikings were prepared to move on from inside linebacker Jordan Hicks before the start of the 2023 NFL season. Restructuring his contract allowed him to stay with the team, but he's set to become a free agent after this year.
Hicks has enjoyed a good season playing next to rookie Ivan Pace Jr. in the middle of Minnesota's defense. He even earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his play in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears.
Hicks is 31 years old but that wouldn't keep him from being able to return and start at linebacker. He is on pace to have a career-high in tackles in the new Brian Flores defense, and he hasn't looked like a liability.
This season, Jordan Hicks has a salary cap hit of $5 million. If he can return for a number close to that in 2024, it would be well worth the Minnesota Vikings keeping him around to be in the middle of the defense next season.