The Indianapolis Colts have to make a decision with safety Malik Hooker, who has a fifth-year team option as a part of his rookie contract.
Though the option doesn’t kick in until the 2021 season, the Colts must make their decision on whether they want to pick it up by May 30. Chris Ballard told reporters in a conference call on Friday that they haven’t decided what to do yet.
He said it will most likely heat up after the draft takes place next week.
Closing the presser, Ballard said the #Colts have time to make a decision on picking up the fifth-year option on Malik Hooker’s rookie contract. Those talks will heat up after the draft.
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) April 17, 2020
Hooker was selected with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He enjoyed a strong rookie season grabbing three interceptions through the first seven games but suffered a torn ACL that ended his campaign.
Since then, Hooker has dealt with some injuries but has otherwise been a solid addition to the secondary. He hasn’t had the production most would have expected from him, but he also hasn’t been tested all that much.
It will be interesting to see what the Colts do with Hooker’s fifth-year option. He’s a talented player and while he’s dealt with some injuries, picking up his option is probably the way to go.