4 Dallas Cowboys who played their last snap with franchise

Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) and outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) tackle San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) and outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) tackle San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Cowboys
Oct 3, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) against the Carolina Panthers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dallas Cowboys S, Malik Hooker

A former first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts back in 2015, Malik Hooker has been a very good safety in his career but there has been one thing slowing him down. Hooker has continually dealt with injuries including an Achilles tear in 2020.

This led to him playing in just two games that season and then it took some time for him to finally find a home in 2021. Eventually, he made his way to Dallas where he was able to stay healthy as he played in 15 games with 44 tackles and one interception.

He continued to play better as the season went on as Hooker grew more comfortable with his rehabbed leg as well as his role with the team. And while some players were busy pointing fingers at the refs following the game, Hooker was posting a heartfelt thank you to the team and fans for a season he seemed to truly enjoy.

https://twitter.com/MalikHooker24/status/1482904745685794820?s=20

Hooker, like every other safety they added this offseason, was signed to a one-year deal meaning he’s about to hit the open market once again. It would be wise for Dallas to bring him back but anyone who follows this team knows how they seem to downplay the need for safeties — despite it burning them time and again.

Chances are low they bring all three back — Hooker, Damontae Kazee, and Jayron Kearse — and Hooker might be the lowest on their priority list. That could lead to him continuing his career somewhere other than in Big D.