Dallas Cowboys: 4 Free agents to sign before 2021 training camp
By Randy Gurzi
2. Malik Hooker, Safety
Earlier in free agency, the Dallas Cowboys reportedly had Malik Hooker in for a visit but they never came to terms on a contract. The likely reason for this would be a concern over the injury history for Hooker who has missed 28 games in his four-year career and has never played a full season.
Despite his injury issues, it’s easy to see why Dallas was interested. Hooker is a ballhawk who had seven picks in his first three seasons in the league. This is an area where he excels and the Cowboys don’t.
Their hope is that 2021 will be better since they signed Damontae Kazee who is coming off a torn Achilles but has also been great at taking the ball away. Kazee is arguably the best safety they have had in several years but Dallas paid him less than $1 million for one season which suggests they aren’t completely sold on him.
Outside of Kazee, they don’t have much set. Donovan Wilson played well at times but is still a project player and Israel Mukuamu is converting from a collegiate corner to a safety in the NFL. Jayron Kearse was also brought in but he’s mostly a depth piece.
With all that being said, it would be wise to bring someone in who can compete for a starting spot and give them something they haven’t had in years — depth and competence at safety. Sure, there’s a chance Hooker could continue to have durability concerns, but if he kicks them and plays all season, he will be a steal for whoever takes that gamble.