Cardinals: 3 cap casualties that could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans

3. Jordan Hicks, LB

Jordan Hicks tied with safety Budda Baker as the 2020 season’s leading tackler in Arizona with 118. However, his overall performance at the position represented something of a trend downward from the numbers he posted the season prior.

2019 would be the apex of Hicks’ play in the desert, as he logged 150 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, and three interceptions. While expectations were that he would eclipse those totals in his second season with the club, his statistical output regressed even as some lingering issues with play speed seemed to creep to the forefront, with opponents seemingly intent on exploiting Hicks’ presence on the field in certain situations.

Though Hicks would be carrying a cap hit of $9.5 million into the coming season, the team could recoup $6.5 million against that total by releasing the defensive captain with a post-June 1st designation.

With 2019 first-rounder Isaiah Simmons waiting in the wings, and the promising play of newcomer De’Vondre Campbell, the Cardinals could very well look to replace the soon-to-be 30-year-old Hicks with a younger, less expensive ‘backer in April’s NFL Draft.

If that it is the case, Arizona’s second rounder (pick 49 overall) could be used to add talents such as Kentucky’s Jamin Davis, Ohio State’s Baron Browning, or UNC Tar Heel Chazz Surratt to the team’s list of up-and-comers at the inside linebacker position.