Hot Takes, Predictions for Browns' Most Impactful Free Agent Signings | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

When the Browns signed linebacker Jordan Hicks to a two-year, $8 million deal early in free agency, it didn't generate a ton of attention. While Hicks wasn't considered a marquee signing, however, he could have a massive impact on the 2024 season.

While Cleveland had a tremendous defensive front and a strong secondary last season, it lacked playmakers at the second level aside from Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Adding the 31-year-old Hicks will both give the Browns another defensive leader and add another do-it-all linebacker to the mix.

Hicks started 13 games for the Minnesota Vikings last season, finishing with 107 tackles, a sack, five passes defended and an interception. He's a perfect fit for the system of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who coached Hicks for three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Schwartz's presence played a big role in Hicks joining the Browns this offseason.

"When I look back on my career and I look back at the times and the years that I played as clear-minded as I ever have, it was with (Jim Schwartz)," Hicks said, per Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com.

Experience and scheme familiarity should allow Hicks to make an immediate impact both on and off the field. He should be a key contributor in 2024, and on such a team-friendly deal, he should prove to be one of the best bargains any team received this offseason.