The Indianapolis Colts are declining the fifth-year option on safety Malik Hooker’s contract for the 2021 season, meaning he will be a free agent following the upcoming campaign.
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A first-round pick (No. 15 overall) in the 2017 NFL draft, Hooker was the first draft selection for general manager Chris Ballard. It has been an up and down road for the Ohio State product as he has dealt with injuries seemingly every season.
Hooker’s talent isn’t an aspect that really comes into question. He’s a rangy safety with excellent ball skills and has the ability to have a strong impact in the secondary. But he’s struggled to stay on the field during his first three seasons.
As a first-round pick, Hooker’s production hasn’t quite lived up to the billing. One might argue his fit within the Colts defensive scheme as a split safety would have something to do with it. He’s better off working as a single-high safety who can read the field and use his range to make plays on the ball.
Being in a split safety look, which has him typically covering one half of the field, limits his playmaking abilities. That said, his 2019 season was by far his worst.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hooker was targeted 20 times while allowing 13 receptions and four touchdowns. All of those were career highs.
In 34 career games (33 starts), Hooker has recorded seven interceptions, 11 passes defended and one tackle for loss.
An extension can always be reached between the two parties, but Hooker now finds himself in a contract year in 2020.
It will be interesting if anything happens down the road with Hooker, but he faces a huge season in 2020 to prove he belongs to stay in Indy.
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