Inside linebacker Jordan Hicks. Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals release veteran LB Jordan Hicks

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 3/9/22

The Arizona Cardinals have released veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday.

Arizona Cardinals are releasing LB Jordan Hicks, per source. Hicks played at a high level last season, registering 118 tackles and four sacks, but the Cardinals have to let their young first-round ILBs play, and now are letting Hicks hit the market early.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2022

As Schefter mentions, Hicks didn't have a poor 2021 campaign. However, the Cardinals have former first-rounders Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons to pick up the slack and, like so many other teams right now, are clearing as much cap space as possible ahead of the free-agent market opening.

LB Jordan Hicks' release leaves behind $3M of dead cap to the #Cardinals, freeing up $6.5M of much needed space. Hicks hits the open market 6 days early. https://t.co/KlxjUyVR2H
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 9, 2022

With Hicks getting a head start looking at free agency, there are already a few teams being mentioned as possible landing spots for the 29-year-old Colorado Springs native. There have been suggestions he could head home to play for the Denver Broncos, while a reunion with the Philadelphia Eagles wouldn't be out of the question.

Eagles were interested in trading for Jordan Hicks this past year. Obviously linebacker is one of the biggest needs on the team.

Bringing back Jordan Hicks wouldn’t cost that much. They should 100% be interested in signing him back. pic.twitter.com/GjeDscqKoQ
— Philly Nation (@Philly__Nation) March 9, 2022

More must-reads: