Hicks also had a number of connections who were a part of the Browns’ defense in 2023. He played with S Rodney McLeod in Philadelphia, as well as DT Dalvin Tomlinson and DE Za’Darius Smith during his two seasons with the Vikings. He’ll have the chance to reunite with Tomlinson and Smith, as Smith re-signed with the Browns on March 13 and Tomlinson is under contract.
“I have followed their careers and obviously got to play with them personally,” Hicks said. “And just watching them, talking to them, obviously, is a huge part of free agency and just understanding different situations.”
The Browns linebacker room saw some change this offseason, as free agents Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki signed with other teams. However, Hicks still believes they can have a dynamic linebacker room alongside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and newly signed Devin Bush.
“I think with the opening at linebacker and the talent that this group has, and this organization has, I think it’s a recipe for something special,” Hicks said.
Hicks has appeared in 122 games with 119 starts with the Eagles (2015-18), Cardinals (2019-21) and Vikings (2022-23). He has recorded 873 career tackles, 14.5 sacks, 13 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and six forced fumbles. Hicks has also registered at least 100 tackles in each of the past five seasons.
Owusu-Koramoah had a breakout season in 2023 as he established himself in Schwartz’s defense. He led the Browns with 98 tackles, while also adding 3.5 sacks, six passes defensed and one forced fumble. He finished fourth in the NFL with 20 tackles for loss during the regular season, with an additional four in the Wild Card game against the Texans.
Bush signed with the Seahawks for the 2023 season, and he played in 13 games with 37 tackles and five tackles for loss.
“You look at JOK and his natural ability. I mean, he’s all over the field. I’ve watched him for years now. Got a ton of…
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