It was not the shocker of the night when the Indianapolis Colts declined to pick up Their Safety fifth-year option.
He has struggled to stay healthy, but he has potential. For a team that needs a starting safety, they could look to make a trade and force Hooker to prove his worth.
Enter the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys did not draft a safety in the 2020 NFL Draft. There are reports that Xavier Woods could be done in Dallas after this season. As for their hole at the other safety position, they are looking into converting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.
Hooker has youth and skills that could fit right in.
“The #Colts won’t pick up the fifth-year option on safety Malik Hooker, per @JFowlerESPN,” via NFL Update. “He is now slated to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021. Interesting decision. Has seven interceptions in 33 career starts. Just 24 years old.”
The #Colts won't pick up the fifth-year option on safety Malik Hooker, per @JFowlerESPN. He is now slated to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021. Interesting decision. Has seven interceptions in 33 career starts. Just 24 years old.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 4, 2020
The Colts would be smart to deal Hooker and receive some sort of value in return. With just one year left on his deal, the Cowboys could likely trade a fourth or fifth round pick. It would be a nice consolation prize after striking out on Jets safety Jamal Adams.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys did not want to part with two first-round picks and Tyron Smith.
Adams would be the better addition, but his price tag is immense. Hooker could try and prove himself in one year with the Cowboys. After all, it appears that the Cowboys are all in this season anyways.
