The Minnesota Vikings embarked on a defensive overhaul this season, parting with several seasoned players in favor of nurturing emerging talent. This trend appears set to continue in the coming offseason, as numerous veterans are nearing the end of their contracts.
One such player is linebacker Jordan Hicks, whom Bleacher Report anticipates will depart from the Minnesota Vikings next season. The reasoning behind this prediction lies in the team’s need for younger players and the impending free agency of Hicks and Troy Dye, as indicated in Bleacher Report’s Week 9 Team Needs report.
Hicks, a cost-effective veteran linebacker compared to Eric Kendricks, managed to retain his position last season. He has thrived in Brian Flores’ defensive scheme, boasting the 19th-highest Pro Football Focus defensive grade (78.3) among inside linebackers this season. Additionally, Hicks has been recognized as a team captain due to his experience and leadership.
Hicks’ contract is set to expire in February, and he will turn 32 before the start of the 2024 season. While he has earned $36.6 million throughout his career, his return to the team depends on the terms offered by the Vikings. As with most of the team’s veterans in recent years, the Vikings will be selective in their re-signings, possibly seeking a player who complements Ivan Pace Jr., a promising undrafted rookie.
Ivan Pace Jr. has had a remarkable rookie season, despite going undrafted out of Cincinnati. He currently holds the 23rd-highest PFF grade (75.7) through nine weeks and excels as a pass rusher, ranking sixth among linebackers with an 86.5 pass-rushing grade. Pace has shown his ability to shed blockers, despite being undersized, and is proficient in pass coverage, allowing a passer rating of 81.3 when targeted. He is seen as the ideal successor to Eric Kendricks, who held a prominent role in the team’s defense for nearly a decade.
The next challenge for the Vikings is to find a player who can complement Pace, much like Anthony Barr did in creating a dynamic inside linebacker duo.
In 2024, the Vikings’ pass rush could see significant changes, particularly in the outside linebacker position group. Key players like Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, and D.J. Wonnum are all on expiring contracts. Although Davenport’s playing time has been limited due to injury, this trio has accounted for 76% of the team’s pass-rushing snaps over the first nine weeks of this season.
The team will need to make decisions on who to retain and who to release, with Hunter’s situation being one of the most critical offseason decisions. Hunter currently leads the league with 10 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. While factors like Justin Jefferson’s contract extension and the quarterback decision may impact the team’s cap space, the Vikings have expressed their commitment to securing a premier edge rusher by negotiating a contract revision with Hunter during the past summer.
Patrick Jones II, who has played 309 snaps and prized undrafted rookie Andre Carter II, will also play crucial roles in the team’s defensive strategy moving forward.