Jaden Hicks has quickly become a rising star in the NFL as a safety for the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted in the fourth round (133rd overall) in 2024, Hicks made an immediate impact with his versatility, physicality, and football IQ.
By 2025, he’s solidified his role in the Chiefs’ defense, contributing to their playoff runs and showcasing potential as a long-term starter.
This article dives into his personal life, career journey, financial standing, and on-field achievements.
Jaden Hicks’ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jaden Hicks |
| Born | August 16, 2002 (Las Vegas, Nevada) |
| Age | 22 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height/Weight | 6’1”, 215 lbs |
| College | Washington State University |
| Position | Safety |
| NFL Draft | 2024: Round 4, Pick 133 (Kansas City Chiefs) |
| Net Worth | ~$1.5 million |
| Salary | $960,000 |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @jaden.hickss (12K followers) |
Early Career
Jaden Hicks grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he attended Bishop Gorman High School. As a junior, he dominated with seven interceptions (three returned for touchdowns) and earned All-State honors.
His senior season was canceled due to COVID-19, but his talent still earned him a three-star recruit ranking. Hicks chose Washington State, redshirting his freshman year in 2021 while adapting to college football.
In 2022, he exploded onto the scene as a redshirt freshman, starting 11 games and recording 76 tackles, one interception, and a fumble recovery touchdown. His performance earned him Freshman All-America honors.
By 2023, he became a defensive leader, tallying 79 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions. His ability to play in coverage, blitz, and support the run made him a standout in the Pac-12.
Professional Career
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Hicks in 2024, valuing his versatility and football IQ. He signed a four-year, $4.5 million rookie contract with a $528,708 signing bonus. Initially a special teams contributor, Hicks earned more defensive snaps as the season progressed.
By Week 12, he became a rotational safety, finishing his rookie year with 29 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 5 pass deflections. His breakout moment came in the playoffs, where he intercepted Houston Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud, showcasing his clutch playmaking.
In 2025, Hicks is poised to replace veteran Justin Reid, whose contract expires after the season. Chiefs coaches praise his work ethic and adaptability, with safeties coach Donald D’Alesio noting, “He’s earned every snap with his preparation and tackling.”
Analysts project Hicks as a future Pro Bowl candidate, blending speed (4.49-second 40-yard dash) with hard-hitting physicality.
Jaden Hicks’ Net Worth Details
Jaden Hicks’ net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Jaden Hicks, a safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, is currently under a four-year rookie contract signed in 2024. Here are the key details of his contract and salary:
- Contract Value: $4,548,708 over four years, with an average annual value (APY) of $1,137,177.
- Fully Guaranteed Money: $528,708.
Salary
- Base Salary: $960,000
- Prorated Signing Bonus: $132,177
- Total Cap Charge: $1,092,177 (0.40% of the team’s salary cap).
Future Salaries:
- 2026: $1,075,000 base salary ($1,207,177 cap hit)
- 2027: $1,190,000 base salary ($1,322,177 cap hit).
Hicks was drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft (133rd overall) out of Washington State. His selection was seen as a cost-effective move by the Chiefs to potentially replace veteran safety Justin Reid after the 2024 season.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kansas City | $1,323,708 |
| 2025 | Kansas City | $960,000 |
| Total | $2,283,708 |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | 2024 Season |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 17 |
| Tackles (Solo/Assisted) | 23 / 6 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Passes Defended | 5 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| Forced Fumbles | 0 |
FAQs
1. What team does Jaden Hicks play for?
Jaden Hicks plays as a strong safety for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. He was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft and has been active since his rookie season.
2. What are Jaden Hicks’ key physical attributes?
Hicks stands 6’2″ and weighs 215 lbs. His pre-draft combine metrics include a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, 37.5″ vertical jump, and 10’2″ broad jump. His size and athleticism contribute to his versatility in coverage and tackling.
3. What college did Jaden Hicks attend?
Hicks played college football at Washington State University. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, he recorded 76 tackles and an interception. In 2023, he tallied 79 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
4. What is Jaden Hicks’ Madden NFL 25 rating?
His Madden NFL 25 overall rating is 73. Key attributes include 89 speed, 87 agility, 74 zone coverage, and 87 hit power, reflecting his blend of athleticism and physicality.
5. What are Jaden Hicks’ strengths as a safety?
Scouting reports highlight his instinctive play recognition, tone-setting tackling, and ability to defend zones. His background as a cornerback aids in man coverage, and he excels as a box safety with downhill speed.
6. How did Jaden Hicks perform in his rookie NFL season?
In 2024, Hicks recorded 29 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass deflections over 17 games. His standout performances included a pivotal interception against the Houston Texans in Week 16.
7. Where is Jaden Hicks from?
Hicks was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and attended Bishop Gorman High School. He earned First-Team All-State honors as a junior with seven interceptions before his senior season was canceled due to COVID-19.
8. What role does Jaden Hicks have on the Chiefs’ defense?
He serves as a rotational and situational strong safety, contributing in both run support and coverage. His physicality and awareness make him a potential long-term starter in two-safety defensive schemes.
9. What draft scouting report comparisons exist for Jaden Hicks?
Analysts compare him to veteran safety Harrison Smith due to his combination of size, tackling intensity, and versatility in coverage. Both excel in hybrid roles defending the box and intermediate zones.
10. Has Jaden Hicks won any awards in the NFL?
Hicks has not won individual awards but earned recognition for his rookie contributions. His three interceptions and playoff performances positioned him as a rising defensive asset for Kansas City.
