Dallas Cowboys: 3 Safeties to trade for not named Jamal Adams
By Randy Gurzi
3. Malik Hooker, Indianapolis Colts
There was a time when Malik Hooker seemed to be the next huge star in the NFL. The Ohio State product was raw as he had just one full season under his belt for the Buckeyes, but it was a great season.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Hooker had 74 tackles and a remarkable seven picks as a redshirt sophomore. It was enough to get him selected at No. 15 overall by the Indianapolis Colts. And throughout his first three seasons, he has proven he can get the job done, but there are concerns.
While Hooker does have 117 tackles, seven picks, and 11 pass defenses to this point, he also has 14 missed games in three years. The majority of that came during his rookie campaign as he played in just seven games that season but the durability concerns are something to consider.
However, that could help Dallas when it comes to securing a trade. Indianapolis is clearly concerned about the injury history themselves as they decline to pick up the fifth-year option on the safties contract. This means 2020 is the final year on his deal, and the Colts might not be willing to hang onto him.
Trading him to Dallas seems to be a win for everyone. For Hooker, it would give him a fresh start on a more visible team as he looks to secure himself a second contract. For the Cowboys, they get a ball hawk in the secondary to add to Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Xavier Woods. As for Indianapolis, they can get something in return now rather than allowing him to leave and hoping for a comp pick, at best.