The $4.1 million starter who has excelled under DC is expected to be extended by the Vikings. Flores Brian

The Minnesota Vikings are a team with a storied history, marked by ups and downs over the years. However, in the ever-competitive NFC North, they have found themselves in a delicate position when it comes to roster-building decisions. One such decision that could prove pivotal to the team’s future is the potential extension of a standout defensive player who has thrived under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. This player, a $4.1 million starter, has proven to be an invaluable asset to the team and is expected to be locked down for the foreseeable future.

As the NFL evolves, the importance of a strong defense has never been clearer, and for the Minnesota Vikings, a defense that has often been under scrutiny is now showing promising signs of improvement. Brian Flores, one of the most respected defensive minds in the league, has brought a fresh approach to the Vikings’ defensive unit. Under his leadership, certain players have elevated their play, and none have been more impressive than this $4.1 million starter who is now poised for a contract extension.

In this article, we’ll dive into why this particular player has excelled under Brian Flores, what makes his potential extension a priority for the Vikings, and how it could impact the team’s future. From his on-field performance to the financial implications of the extension, there is plenty to discuss regarding this key player and the role he will continue to play in Minnesota’s defense.

Who Is the $4.1 Million Starter?

The player in question is none other than linebacker Jordan Hicks. Hicks, who joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, quickly made his presence felt on the field. The 30-year-old linebacker, who signed a two-year, $6 million deal with the Vikings, has consistently been one of the team’s top performers in recent seasons. He’s known for his high football IQ, ability to read plays, and his leadership on the field. This contract, which pays him $4.1 million annually, has been a steal for the Vikings, considering the caliber of player they’ve gotten in return.

Hicks has been a staple of the Vikings’ linebacker corps, and with the addition of Brian Flores as defensive coordinator, Hicks has taken his game to another level. In a defense that has often lacked consistency in recent years, Hicks has been a reliable force—one that has given the Vikings a much-needed presence in the middle of their defense.

The decision to extend Hicks, who has been a starter for the Vikings since his arrival, has become a hot topic among fans and analysts alike. His performance in 2023, particularly under Flores’ tutelage, has left no doubt in anyone’s mind that the linebacker has earned a long-term role with the team.

Brian Flores’ Impact on Jordan Hicks’ Performance

When the Vikings hired Brian Flores as their defensive coordinator, it was clear that they were looking to make a significant shift in their defensive philosophy. Flores, known for his aggressive and creative defensive schemes, brought a fresh perspective to a defense that had shown flashes of promise but often lacked consistency.

One of the first things that stood out under Flores’ leadership was how quickly Jordan Hicks seemed to adjust to the defensive schemes. Flores is known for utilizing his linebackers in various roles—often blitzing, dropping them into coverage, or putting them in positions to make plays in space. Hicks, who has always been a smart player, thrived under Flores’ system because of his natural instincts, intelligence, and adaptability.

Key Areas of Improvement Under Flores

1. Tackling and Run Defense

One of the most notable improvements in Hicks’ game under Flores is his tackling and effectiveness against the run. Historically, the Vikings’ defense has been susceptible to big gains on the ground, but Hicks has been a stabilizing force in the middle of the field. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and step up to meet the ball carrier has been instrumental in shutting down opposing running backs before they can break through the defensive line.

Hicks’ understanding of gap integrity and his ability to move sideline-to-sideline have made him a key asset in stopping the run. His physicality, combined with Flores’ scheme, has allowed him to consistently disrupt plays in the backfield and force running backs into difficult positions.

2. Coverage Skills

While Hicks has always been a solid tackler, his ability to cover in space has been another area of growth under Flores. The Vikings’ defense, traditionally known for its strong front seven, has struggled in the past with covering athletic tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. However, Hicks’ ability to drop back into coverage and cover underneath routes has made him a more versatile player.

Under Flores’ guidance, Hicks has shown a greater ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, anticipate routes, and make plays on the ball. Whether it’s intercepting passes or breaking up throws, Hicks has been much more effective in pass coverage than in previous seasons, and this improvement has made the Vikings’ defense more well-rounded.

3. Leadership and Communication

One of the less tangible but equally important areas in which Hicks has thrived is in his leadership and communication on the field. Flores is known for being a detail-oriented coach who emphasizes the importance of communication between defenders. Hicks, a veteran with years of experience in the league, has taken on a leadership role in the linebacking group, working closely with younger players and ensuring that the defense is always in sync.

Hicks’ ability to communicate defensive adjustments and alignments has been critical in Flores’ complex defensive schemes. With the defense often switching between different coverages, Hicks’ leadership has allowed the unit to remain organized and fluid, ensuring that there are fewer missed assignments.

Why the Vikings Should Extend Jordan Hicks

Now that it’s clear just how important Hicks has been to the Vikings’ defense under Brian Flores, the next question becomes: why should the team extend him? The answer is multifaceted, but the bottom line is this: Hicks is a proven, consistent playmaker who fits perfectly into Flores’ system.

1. Cost-Effective and Valuable Asset

Hicks’ current deal, which pays him $4.1 million annually, has proven to be an absolute bargain for the Vikings. At 30 years old, he still has a lot to offer, and the extension would likely be structured to keep him in Minnesota for a few more years. While the Vikings have other pressing needs, keeping a reliable, proven starter in Hicks at a relatively modest price would be a smart financial decision.

His current contract is a great deal, but the Vikings would be wise to lock him in for the long haul while he’s still performing at a high level. The linebacker market in the NFL can get inflated quickly, but because Hicks is playing at a high level and has excelled in Flores’ defense, the Vikings could extend him at a reasonable price before his value skyrockets.

2. Stability and Continuity

Having stability at key positions is crucial for any NFL team, and the Vikings have found that in Hicks. With his ability to read the game and adjust to different offensive schemes, Hicks has become the glue that holds the Vikings’ defense together. His presence in the middle of the field is invaluable, especially in a division with talented offensive players like Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Justin Fields (Bears), and Jared Goff (Lions). Keeping Hicks in the fold provides continuity, allowing Flores to continue building his defensive schemes around a trusted veteran.

Furthermore, his leadership role in the locker room is essential. With young players like Brian Asamoah and Troy Dye looking to make an impact, having a veteran like Hicks to mentor them is invaluable for the long-term growth of the defense.

3. Positional Need

Linebacker is one of the most important positions in Flores’ defensive schemes, and Hicks has proven that he can thrive in that role. Given the depth of the Vikings’ roster and the need to strengthen various areas of the defense, an extension for Hicks would allow the team to focus its resources on other positions. By securing a long-term deal with Hicks, the Vikings can address other key needs, whether in the secondary or along the defensive line, without having to worry about finding a replacement at linebacker.

What a Potential Extension Could Look Like

An extension for Jordan Hicks would likely see him earning a contract somewhere between $7 million and $9 million annually depending on the structure. This would be a fair deal given his performance and leadership qualities. The Vikings would be able to secure Hicks for at least another three years, keeping him in Minnesota during the prime years of his career.

The Vikings’ Future with Jordan Hicks and Brian Flores

The Minnesota Vikings are on the rise under Brian Flores, and one of the key pieces of their defensive puzzle is Jordan Hicks. After excelling in Flores’ system, Hicks has proven that he is worth extending, not just for his on-field performance, but for his leadership, versatility, and consistency. As a $4.1 million starter, he has provided exceptional value to the team, and locking him up for the future is a smart move for the Vikings.

An extension for Hicks would give the Vikings stability in the middle of their defense while allowing them to continue building a championship-caliber team. With Flores’ defensive system continuing to take shape, securing Hicks’ future in Minnesota is a move that will pay dividends for years to come. The Vikings should move quickly to extend Jordan Hicks and solidify their defensive foundation for the future.