The Philadelphia Eagles lost a key component of their defense when linebacker Jordan Hicks, agreed to a mega-deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Hicks, 26, has been a productive player for the Eagles for the past four years, but he can never seem to stay healthy, the leading factor that played into allowing him to walk in free agency.
With Hicks cashing out, the Eagles will need to find a replacement. They have several candidates on the roster including Nigel Bradham and Kamu Grugier-Hill. The Eagles could choose to replace him with a free agent or draft pick.
Here are six viable options to replace Hicks on the Eagles roster:
Mark Barron
The versatile linebacker moves like a free safety because that’s the position he used to play. Barron could move to weak-side linebacker, moving Grugier-Hill over to the strong and move Nigel Bradham to middle linebacker.
Manti Te’o
The six-year veteran has been a heady, disciplined player since entering the NFL, an if not for the embarrassment of his fake girlfriend scandal, could be more valued as a player. Since leaving Notre Dame, Te’o has 301 tackles in 59 career NFL games. He has just 1.5 sacks and two interceptions in that time, but the Eagles would need him to provide leadership, stop the run and be a presence in the passing game.
K.J. Wright
Nagging injuries all of last season could allow a team to snag Wright on the cheap. The Eagles may be willing to take a one-year deal on the 2016 Pro Bowl selection. Wright can play all the linebacker spots and has familiarity with Fletcher Cox from college.
Jamie Collins
The former Patriots star was released by the Browns last week. Collins is another player who could slide in at outside linebacker for the Eagles, allowing Nigel Bradham to man the middle. Eagles’ lineup as a middle linebacker, his role on the outside would allow Bradham to move inside on a permanent basis. Since coming into the league, Collins has produced 17.5 sacks, 23 pass breakups, seven interceptions, and 13 forced fumbles/
Blake Cashman, Minnesota Golen Gophers
The former Golden Gophers star is a steady, under control linebacker, who seems to do everything right. He’s aggressive against the run and a very sound Blitzer. His ability against the pass could make Cashman an option to replace Hicks via the draft.
Devin Bush, Michigan
The 5-11, 234-pound speedster at linebacker can be a game changer at times and could be an option for the Eagles via the NFL Draft. Bush Started 12 games as a junior in amassing 78 tackles (38 solo), 5.0 sacks, 9.0 tackles for loss and six passes broken up, as he earned consensus All-America honors.
