NFL free agency 2019: Top 50 available players

By Conor Myles | Feb 6, 2019

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 21: Jordan Hicks #58 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on October 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

33. Jordan Hicks, ILB

Hicks enters free agency with a ton of potential, but alarming health concerns. The oft-injured linebacker has only put together one fully healthy season, which came in 2016. The Philadelphia Eagles made Hicks their third-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, and the linebacker proved his worth immediately in Chip Kelly’s 3-4 defense.

Since the arrival of Doug Pederson and Jim Schwartz in Philadelphia, Hicks has manned the middle linebacker position in the team’s 4-3 scheme and still has shown flashes of his vast potential. Even while missing four games in 2018, Hicks posted a career-high in tackles (91) and sacks (three). The linebacker is also a sure tackler, missing no more than nine in a single season and only five in 2018, according to Pro Football Focus.

What benefits Hicks the most on the open market is his ability to fit in both the 3-4 or 4-3 defensive schemes. His injury concerns could ultimately affect his demand, but the Eagles could look to explore bringing the linebacker back. The Pittsburgh Steelers could also show interest along with the New York Giants.

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