2026 Cleveland Browns Player Profile: S Ronnie Hickman

It’s time to take a look at the 2026 player profile for the Cleveland Browns’ current starting free safety, Ronnie Hickman. Cleveland signed Hickman as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State in 2023. With Hickman prepared to enter the current season at age 24, let’s take a look at his history with the Browns and what his future may hold.

2026 Cleveland Browns Player Profile: S Ronnie Hickman

Background Information

Born on October 11, 2001, in Manhattan, New York, Hickman attended DePaul Catholic High School in New Jersey, where he starred as both a safety and wide receiver. A 4-star recruit, he committed to Ohio State but tore his ACL during his senior year, forcing him to redshirt a season in 2019.

Throughout his collegiate career with the Buckeyes, Hickman appeared in 31 games and started the final 26 at safety. Ronnie recorded 157 tackles, one sack, three interceptions, and a defensive touchdown. Hickman earned a reputation as a physical, downhill defender with a good nose for the football. His senior year in 2022 capped a productive stretch that included leading the team in tackles as a junior in 2021 (99 stops, two picks).

Career Trajectory

Hickman appeared in 10 games with four starts, posting 25 tackles and three passes defensed in 2023 while also contributing on special teams. In 2024, Ronnie contributed in 14 games with five starts, recording 45 tackles and recovering a fumble.

His breakout came in 2025. Hickman started all 17 games at free safety, logging a career-high 103 tackles (51 solo, 52 assisted), seven passes defensed, and two interceptions. He played every defensive snap in 14 contests, anchoring the back end with solid run support and coverage alongside Grant Delpit. His availability and physicality helped stabilize the secondary and offered a glimpse of a potential long-term answer at the position.

Statistical Overview

Contract Status

Hickman is entering 2026 under a one-year RFA tender worth $3.52 million (right of first refusal). He originally signed a three-year, $2.715 million deal as a UDFA in 2023 with minimal guarantees. The Browns tendered him in March 2026, keeping him under team control for the upcoming season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

2026 Outlook

Coming into his fourth season, questions remain as to whether the Browns view Hickman as the answer at free safety. His current contract would suggest that Cleveland may be considering other possibilities, particularly in the draft. Having him rostered would help provide some continuity for new DC Mike Rutenberg. However, the team is currently slotted at the top of the draft in a spot that could see another Buckeye safety selected. Caleb Downs is basically a consensus top-10 pick. Ohio State ran its entire defense by getting Downs as many opportunities at the football as possible.

So, could Cleveland be considering Downs at No. 6?

It’s definitely a possibility, which would change Ronnie Hickman’s outlook drastically. However, if Cleveland chooses to move forward with Ronnie as the starter, there’s little to be concerned about at the position.