Pittsburgh Steelers free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 09: Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) before the snap in the fourth quarter of an NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs on December 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 21: Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the National Football League game between the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles on October 21, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Jordan Hicks

Tomlin’s defensive scheme relies on talented linebackers who can make plays from sideline to sideline. The Steelers’ defense has never really recovered from the loss of Ryan Shazier. His ability to really run covered up a lot of his teammates’ weaknesses.

Hicks isn’t the athlete that Shazier was before his injury, but he is definitely a guy who can make plays all over the field. He predominantly played for the Eagles as an outside linebacker, but he’s a really good fit for what Pittsburgh looks for on the inside.

The fact that Hicks is still just 26 years of age also means that signing him would give Tomlin another young linebacker to build around. He’d fit right in with T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree to form a really intriguing group of players in the prime of their respective careers.

Again, Hicks isn’t a guy who is going to demand a massive contract in free agency. The Steelers should look to strike quickly to steal him away from their in-state rivals. He’s not the free agent signing that will dominate the headlines, but he’ll help this defense continue to be a top-10 unit for years to come.

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