Christian Elliss and Nicholas Morrow both had trouble positioning themselves correctly and missed tackles on crucial plays. According to Pro Football Focus, Morrow was especially poor in coverage, surrendering six receptions on eight targets for a massive 175 yards and two scores. Additionally, Morrow failed to stop 49ers wide receiver Debbie Samuel, which resulted in a 48-yard touchdown.
The way Christian McCaffrey and wide out Samuel tore apart the middle of Philly’s defense was evident, and some fans and pundits are urging the Eagles to consider replacing their linebackers immediately. Among them was Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, who listed Philadelphia’s top target for the 2024 summer as linebacker Jordan Hicks, who is now with the Minnesota Vikings.
Should Eagles Try to Reunite With Jordan Hicks?
Hicks spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles after being selected by them in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Texas. After that, he spent three seasons (2019–2021) with the Arizona Cardinals before spending the last two with the Vikings.
Hicks started 40 of the 43 games he participated in while with the Eagles. In his four years with Philadelphia, he racked up 254 total tackles (12 for loss), 14 QB hits, 5.0 sacks, a forced fumble, six fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions.
The two-year, $10 million contract that the 31-year-old linebacker has with Minnesota is coming to an end, and he will be a free agency without restriction the following year. In 2024, a reunion is very certainly possible.
Holder added, “Zach Cunningham is only signed for one season, so Philadelphia will need a linebacker in the offseason. They have never been shy about bringing back former players in the offseason.”
“Hicks has performed admirably in Arizona this season, receiving high marks from Pro Football Focus in both coverage and run defense. Before suffering a shin injury that forced him to be placed on injured reserve, he recorded 28 defensive stops in 10 games (tackles that cause a “failure” for the offense), according to PFF. Thus, this will also depend on the results of the medical examinations.
Eagles Still Have Loads of Questions at LB
The Eagles have struggled to stop opponents at linebacker, with the exception of strong side star Hayden Reddick. For the second time this season, starter Nakobe Dean is placed on injured reserve. Veteran Zach Cunningham has performed admirably but has missed time due to a hamstring issue.
Elliss’s difficulties were expected given he was making his first professional start versus San Francisco. Although Morrow has played well at the MIKE position, his difficulties in Week 13 against the 49ers and other elite conference opponents cannot be disregarded. In addition, his contract is just for one year, so after the season, he’ll probably be gone.
Is Hicks going to be a good addition to the team next season? Indeed, if he remains well. The Vikings linebacker had a terrible contusion to his leg, and is presently placed on injured reserve. It’s not a permanent problem, but in the event of a reunion, he would have to be fully recovered.
For the Vikings in season, Hicks has started ten games and totaled 87 tackles (four for loss), a sack, a defensive touchdown, a forced fumble, and an interception. He’s still a potent player when healthy, so the Eagles should definitely try to re-sign him in 2024.
