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Denver Broncos should make a play for recently released linebacker

By Travis Wakeman

Oct 17, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during warmups before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during warmups before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos need linebackers and there is one that is now available that is an ideal fit. 

The Broncos have three inside linebackers about to hit the open free-agent market. With the beginning of the new league year next Wednesday, linebackers Alexander Johnson, Josey Jewell and Kenny Young will be free to sign anywhere in the league.

The common belief has been that the Broncos will retain at least one of those guys and maybe more, but Jordan Hicks, who was released on Wednesday in a cost-cutting move by the Arizona Cardinals, would be a huge signing for the team.

Jordan Hicks, Bobby Wagner, are both available as free agents

A third-round pick out of Texas by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, Hicks has been a starting linebacker for the Cardinals in each of the last three seasons. Last season, he was second on the team with 116 tackles and third on the team with four sacks.

Hicks is a linebacker who can do it all. He is one of the best tackling linebackers in the league but he can drop back into pass coverage as well, a trait that the Broncos desperately need, and have needed, from the inside linebacker position.

Hicks can also put pressure on the quarterback and is a talented blitzer.

For his career, he has 637 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 11 interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown), 34 pass deflections, four forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries. He is a linebacker that is in on almost every play.

Jordan Hicks, Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos 2021 offseason: Jordan Hicks. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports /

It wouldn’t be a hard sell to get him to Denver, either. The Broncos already showed themselves to be a contender this coming season with the recent trade for quarterback Russell Wilson, which should only help land free agents. But in addition to that, Hicks has Colorado ties, having been born in Colorado Springs.

This move would make a lot of sense.

Bobby Wagner, a former teammate of Wilson with the Seattle Seahawks, is also available on the open market after being released by Seattle on Tuesday. He should garner interest from Denver as well but Hicks is a younger option at 29 (Wagner is 31) and he will likely be the cheaper option as well.

Related Story. Free agents Broncos should sign following Wilson trade. light

Look for the Broncos to show interest in Hicks in the coming days.

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