Jordan Hicks, a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals has been given permission to seek a trade.
Jordan Hicks has asked for a trade after the team drafted Zaven Collins in the first round. Hicks has spent two years with Arizona after a handful of season with the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that drafted him. He was a part of the Super Bowl LII championship upset-win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to most Arizona Cardinals fans. Drafting two linebackers in back-to-back years is more than enough signaling of what is to come at the linebacking position. This all but ensure Collins will actually start, something that Isaiah Simmons didn’t really receive at the start of last year.
Coupled with the team’s confirmed week 1 game on the road against the Tennessee Titans, it makes me nervous starting a rookie right at middle linebacker against Derrick Henry. Once again, this is a great litmus test for the defense right out the gate. The team was abysmal in defending the run towards the end of last season (see the last San Francisco 49ers matchup).
1st round draft picks can change plans: The #AZCardinals picked LB Zaven Collins 16th overall, and he is now the starting MIKE backer. The team has given Jordan Hicks permission to find a new home via trade, source said. Hicks is a respected leader & AZ wants to do right by him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 12, 2021
If Collins is going to be given the starting MLB role, will he become a captain? It would make sense as he’s the “quarterback of the defense”. Hopefully Arizona can get at least a third round pick for a savvy veteran who can hold his own.
Personally, I wish this wasn’t happening. Despite a handful of criticism from fans for his performance last year, Hicks is a quality starter and person overall. Vance Joseph is really going all-in with Simmons and Collins, and let’s hope it works out. A new defensive line should make a big difference this year, so I’m trying to stay optimistic here, but I am also expecting Collins to struggle as all rookies inevitably do.