The Indianapolis Colts made somewhat of a surprising move this offseason by declining the fifth-year option of safety Malik Hooker.
After failing to totally live up to expectations during his first four seasons, the former first-round pick now faces a crucial 2020 season. While Hooker has faced injuries and some inconsistent production, head coach Frank Reich is optimistic the Ohio State product can bounce back.
“I think Malik (Hooker) is going to handle it really well because I think Malik has been on this trajectory where it – for the time that we’ve been here as a staff – just keeps getting better. I think physically, in the scheme and everything, he’s coming into his own,” Reich said Wednesday. “Guys aren’t surprised when a contract situation comes like it did with Malik’s situation. So you just have to go out and have a great year. We expect him to do that.”
With the Colts declining the fifth-year option, Hooker is set to be a free agent following the 2020 season. He can earn another contract with the Colts, which would make him the first to do so from the 2017 class. But the inconsistency leaves doubt as to whether the Colts may believe it’s worth it.
At 24 years old, Hooker is still young enough to take a chance on. It likely wouldn’t be on a multi-year deal even if he has a monster 2020 season. But if he bounces back and shows promise to continue developing into a strong option at free safety, the Colts could re-sign him after the season.
It will be a big year for Hooker, who has shown flashes of talent. Whether that will result in another contract in Indy will be one of the many storylines to watch this season.