Jordan Hicks – San Francisco Giants Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jordan Hicks stands out as one of baseball’s most fascinating power pitchers, mostly because he throws fastballs over 100 mph like it’s no big deal. The 27-year-old righty started out with the St. Louis Cardinals, but now he’s bringing that heat to the San Francisco Giants.

In January 2024, Hicks grabbed a four-year contract worth $44 million, which is a pretty huge leap in his career.

Born on September 6, 1996, Hicks has battled through injuries and setbacks, but he’s managed to turn himself into a real asset on the mound. His current salary is around $1,837,500 per year, although that number is set to jump under his new deal.

With his blazing fastball and improving secondary pitches, Hicks keeps drawing attention from fans and analysts. People just can’t seem to look away when he’s on the mound.

Hicks’ net worth sits at about $5.3 million, which shows just how far he’s come—from a third-round draft pick to a mainstay in the majors. His story kind of feels like the classic baseball tale: work hard, push through the rough patches, and eventually, the big paydays start rolling in.

Early Life and Background

Jordan Hicks’ journey to pro baseball started early, and his family played a huge part in shaping him. Those early years, filled with sports and a drive to get better, really set the stage for everything that followed.

Family and Education

Jordan McKinley Hicks was born on September 6, 1996, in Houston, Texas. Growing up around Houston, he worked on his baseball skills from a young age, with his family cheering him on every step of the way.

His parents didn’t just sit back; they made sure he got to every practice and game, always encouraging him. That support definitely helped him develop as an athlete.

Hicks went to Cypress Creek High School in Houston, where he started to stand out as a pitcher. Scouts and college recruiters noticed his fastball velocity pretty quickly.

He didn’t just focus on baseball, either. His grades held up, so he had some real choices about his future.

Path to Professional Baseball

The St. Louis Cardinals picked Hicks in the supplemental round of the 2015 MLB Draft, taking him 105th overall. Instead of playing college ball, Hicks jumped straight into the Cardinals’ minor league system.

He moved up the minor league ladder pretty quickly, mostly because his arm strength kept turning heads. Coaches worked with him to sharpen his mechanics and add some new pitches.

By 2018, he’d done enough to earn a spot on the Cardinals’ big league roster. Going from high school to MLB in just three years? That’s no small feat.

NFL Career Overview

Jordan Hicks has carved out a reputation as a reliable, impactful linebacker since joining the NFL in 2015. He’s known for tough defense, leadership, and the ability to adapt to different defensive setups.

Teams and Positions Played

The Philadelphia Eagles picked Hicks in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He slotted in as an inside linebacker and spent four seasons (2015-2018) as a key part of their defense.

In 2019, Hicks signed with the Arizona Cardinals and continued as an inside linebacker until 2021. He earned recognition as a defensive anchor for the team.

After Arizona, Hicks joined the Minnesota Vikings for the 2022-2023 seasons. He renegotiated his contract to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with solid guarantees.

In 2024, Hicks signed with the Cleveland Browns on a two-year deal worth $8 million, including a $3.29 million signing bonus.

Key Career Highlights

Hicks’ biggest moment came in 2017 when he helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII. Even though he got injured that season, his early performances helped lay the groundwork for their championship defense.

He’s always been surprisingly good in pass coverage for a linebacker. His football smarts and anticipation have led to some pretty memorable interceptions, including a pick-six against the Cowboys.

A few career highlights:

• Multiple seasons with over 100 tackles
• Double-digit career interceptions
• Consistent forced fumbles and recoveries
• A handful of defensive touchdowns

After some early injuries, Hicks managed to stay healthy and play full seasons in Arizona and Minnesota.

Role in Defense and Offense

Hicks usually acts as the defensive quarterback. He wears the green dot helmet, relaying plays from coaches to his teammates.

He understands defensive schemes inside and out, making adjustments before the snap. That’s basically like having another coach on the field.

In pass coverage, Hicks handles zone responsibilities and can stick with tight ends or running backs in man coverage. He’s picked off quite a few passes by reading the quarterback.

When it comes to stopping the run, Hicks sticks to his gaps and tackles well. He’s usually among the team’s leading tacklers, finding ways to get through blocks and chase down ball carriers.

He doesn’t play on offense, but his defensive play often gives his team’s offense a short field or sets up turnovers.

Jordan Hicks’ Contracts and Free Agency

Jordan Hicks has worked through several contracts during his NFL career, showing his value as a dependable linebacker. His contract history reflects his performance and the going rate for linebackers in the league.

Contract History and Terms

The Eagles drafted Hicks in the third round of 2015, signing him to a four-year rookie deal worth about $3 million. He played a big role during their Super Bowl run, then hit free agency in 2019.

In March 2019, he landed a four-year, $36 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. That deal included $20 million guaranteed—a major bump from his rookie contract.

After his time in Arizona, Hicks joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. He reworked his deal to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with $3.2 million guaranteed. That flexibility kept him in the league with solid pay.

Most recently, Hicks signed with the Cleveland Browns for two years and $8 million, including a $3.29 million signing bonus and $4.5 million guaranteed.

Free Agent Signing Details

When Hicks left the Eagles, several teams wanted him. He chose the Cardinals, seeing both a starting role and a solid payday.

The Cardinals eventually released him as a salary cap move, and the Vikings picked him up in 2022. Minnesota valued his leadership and steady play, offering a contract that fit his experience at that point.

In 2024, the Browns signed Hicks. He’s set to make $4.5 million this year, and the Browns wanted his experience to boost their defense.

The deal includes incentives tied to playing time and defensive stats, so he could earn even more if he delivers.

Impact on Cap Space and Cap Hit

Hicks’ contracts have usually balanced team cap flexibility and fair pay for him. His rookie deal barely dented the Eagles’ cap, which helped during their title run.

The Cardinals’ contract carried a bigger cap hit, about $9 million a year, which made sense for a defensive leader. But eventually, the cap hit led to his release before the 2022 season.

His Vikings deal was cap-friendly, especially after renegotiation. That helped Minnesota hang onto a veteran linebacker without overspending.

With the Browns, they structured his contract to spread the cap hit over two seasons. The $3.29 million signing bonus is prorated, so the annual cap hit stays manageable while Hicks gets solid guaranteed money.

Comparisons to Other Player Contracts

Compared to teammates and other linebackers, Hicks’ deals have always landed in the solid-but-not-superstar range. With the Eagles, his contract was less than franchise guys like Lane Johnson or Zach Ertz, but better than several role players.

With the Cardinals, he earned a middle-tier linebacker salary—more than rookies, but less than elite linebackers making $15 million or more per year. That fits his production and durability.

His Browns contract is similar to what other late-career veteran linebackers get. The $4 million per year puts him in the mid-range for experienced defenders, rewarding leadership and experience over pure stats.

Against his old Eagles teammates, Hicks’ career earnings don’t quite match franchise stars like Brandon Graham or Fletcher Cox, but he’s done better than most role players.

Net Worth and Financial Insights

Jordan Hicks has built up solid wealth during his baseball career, with his contracts forming the backbone of his finances. His earnings have grown with each new deal, and he’s found other ways to bring in money off the field.

Estimated Salary Over the Years

Hicks’ baseball earnings have climbed since he went pro. His current salary is around $1,837,500 per year as a reliever—a pretty impressive number.

His net worth stands at about $5,337,500, which takes into account his career earnings, expenses, and investments.

Some folks mix him up with NFL linebacker Jordan Hicks, who just signed an $8 million deal with the Browns. The baseball Hicks has earned his money on the diamond, not the gridiron.

Endorsements and Business Ventures

On top of his baseball salary, Hicks has found other ways to make money. He’s landed endorsement deals with sporting goods companies, though he keeps a lower profile in marketing compared to some MLB stars.

Players like Hicks often invest in real estate, stocks, or even small businesses. These investments help build wealth for the long run and set them up for life after baseball.

Financial advisors usually tell athletes to put some of their earnings into long-term investments, since their playing careers don’t last forever.

Luxury Tax and Competitive Balance Tax Implications

Hicks’ contracts don’t just affect his wallet—they impact his team’s finances too. MLB’s luxury tax and Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) set spending limits, and teams face penalties if they go over.

Teams have to think about salaries like Hicks’ when building their rosters. They want to avoid big tax penalties, so these numbers matter during contract talks.

For pitchers who throw as hard as Hicks, teams might be willing to get close to those tax lines. His value makes the risk worth it for a lot of front offices.

The exact tax impact depends on his team’s payroll and how close they are to the threshold, which changes every year with the MLB’s labor agreement.

Personal Life and Off-Field Interests

Outside of baseball, Jordan Hicks leads a pretty full life. He’s involved with his family, gives back to the community, and pursues personal interests that show who he is off the field.

Charity and Community Involvement

Hicks cares about giving back. He often joins the Giants’ community outreach, especially working with youth baseball programs in underserved areas.

He focuses a lot of his charitable work on children’s hospitals and health causes. Back in St. Louis, he regularly visited Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital to spend time with young patients.

In 2022, Hicks started a campaign to raise money for diabetes research after a family member was diagnosed. That effort brought in over $50,000 through donations and fan events.

He also hosts annual baseball clinics for underprivileged kids, teaching the game and stressing the importance of education and sticking with it, even when things get tough.

Family and Hobbies

Hicks keeps his family life pretty private, away from all the noise of the baseball diamond. He’s really close with his parents, and they’ve supported him since his early days in high school all the way to the majors.

He loves the outdoors. During the off-season, you’ll probably find him fishing. In some team interviews, he’s said being out on the water helps him unwind from the constant pressure of pro sports.

Hicks is a big gamer too. He connects with fans through gaming platforms, which is honestly pretty cool. He’s also got this thing for vintage electronics—started collecting them when he was recovering from injuries.

Music’s a big part of his life. People have spotted him at concerts in the off-season, and he always has a carefully picked pre-game playlist to get his mind right.

Digital Presence and Media

You’ll find Hicks pretty active on social media. He chats with fans and shares bits of his training and life off the field. His Instagram mixes baseball highlights with more personal snapshots.

His official website gives fans career stats and info about his upcoming appearances. Heads up, though—it needs cookies to work right.

In 2023, Hicks helped develop a training app for young pitchers. The app uses his own techniques and ideas about staying healthy while building velocity.

He pops up on baseball podcasts now and then, talking about pitching and the mental side of the game. Those appearances show how much thought he puts into his craft and give fans a peek into his mindset.

Notable Teammates and Collaborations

Jordan Hicks has built some strong relationships with teammates over his career. Learning from the people around him has played a big role in his growth as a player.

Working with the Eagles’ Defensive Unit

When Hicks played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2015 to 2018, he really thrived next to some talented guys. As a linebacker, he teamed up with defensive standouts like Michael Bennett and Derek Barnett. The Eagles’ defensive line protected Hicks well, so he could show off his coverage and run-stopping skills.

During the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII run, Hicks worked closely with the defensive unit. Even though he got injured later in the season, his early work helped set the defensive tone that led Philly to the championship.

Fletcher Cox, a defensive star, often mentioned how Hicks’ communication and ability to get the defense lined up before the snap made a huge difference.

Key On-Field Partnerships

In Arizona and Minnesota, Hicks kept building those important on-field relationships. He and Nick Vigil worked together as linebackers in Arizona, giving the Cardinals a solid second line of defense.

When he joined the Vikings, Hicks and Eric Kendricks clicked fast. Together, they formed one of the league’s most underrated linebacker duos, letting the Vikings try out different defensive looks.

Now, after signing a two-year, $8 million contract with Cleveland, Hicks is already connecting with the Browns’ defensive core. His experience brings some much-needed stability to a young, talented defense.

Mentors and Influences

Hicks has picked up a lot from some important mentors during his NFL journey.

Back in his rookie season with the Eagles, veteran linebackers DeMeco Ryans and Connor Barwin really showed him the ropes. They broke down the details of professional football and made sure he understood what it takes.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz played a huge role in Hicks’ growth in Philadelphia. Schwartz pushed an aggressive defensive approach that just fit perfectly with Hicks’ natural instincts.

“Coach Schwartz helped me see the game differently,” Hicks said during a post-game interview. “He taught me to anticipate rather than just react.”

When Hicks landed in Arizona, defensive mastermind Vance Joseph worked with him on blitzing. That led to Hicks putting up career-high sack numbers.

All these mentors have shaped Hicks into the respected veteran he is now.