Hickman started all 17 regular-season games in 2025, delivering a career-high 103 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions. His performance earned high praise from analysts, including a top-coverage grade within Cleveland’s secondary, though he finished just behind a rising cornerback who posted a larger performance-based payout.
The league’s performance-based pay program distributes a supplemental fund annually, rewarding players who outperform their contracts by aligning playing time with salary. Hickman’s substantial snap counts on a rookie deal contributed to his high placement on the payout list.
Hickman’s path with the Browns began as an undrafted free agent from Ohio State in 2023. He made the initial 53-man roster, eased into the rotation over two seasons, and became a full-time starter in 2025, using his undrafted status as motivation to prove his value.
Entering this offseason, Cleveland retained Hickman with a right-of-first-refusal tender valued at roughly $3.5 million, allowing the Browns to match any offer sheet if he signs with another team. In his 41-game Browns tenure, Hickman has accumulated 173 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 pass breakups, marking him as a meaningful contributor on a defense led by a new coordinator intent on maintaining Cleveland’s aggressive style.
Overall, Hickman’s 2025 performance not only solidified his starting role but also yielded a meaningful financial incentive, underscoring his rising impact on a Browns defense that remains one of the league’s top units.
