Free-agent safety Malik Hooker visited the Cowboys in March, but didn’t put his John Hancock on a new contract. The reason was clear, Hooker hadn’t recovered enough from his torn Achilles in 2020 for the club to take a chance on signing him at the time. He visited again last week, four months later, with better results and a deal locked in once he passed a physical and got through COVID-19 protocols.
Cowboys fans have been waiting impatiently for news the playmaking free safety was joining the team in training camp in Oxnard, CA. Well, the wait is over. After a workout on Tuesday, the Cowboys officially signed Hooker.
Former Colts’ first-round pick Malik Hooker officially signed with the Cowboys.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 27, 2021
Former Colts’ CB Malik Hooker officially signs with the Dallas Cowboys. The former first-round pick will wear No.28 for Dallas.
In order to free up a spot on the roster, the Cowboys placed OT Mitch Hyatt on injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/dNjGcdiyrD
— Brianna Dix (@DixBrianna) July 27, 2021
Adding Hooker makes the free safety competition intriguing. The Cowboys signed Damontae Kazee instead of Hooker at the time both worked out for the club. Both are talented but when Hooker is healthy, which has been the only bugaboo during his career, he has the advantage.
Hooker suffered a torn ACL and MCL as a rookie in 2017 but still managed to snag three interceptions in just seven games. He played in 27 games over the next two seasons and recorded four more interceptions, but unfortunately tore his Achilles and only played in two games last season.
Cowboys signed safety Malik Hooker following his workout today. He’s currently in stretch line with team. Been speaking with his new teammates and DC Dan Quinn. Hooker is No. 28. OT Mitch Hyatt (knee) moved from PUP to IR. pic.twitter.com/sCZBF11R8S
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 27, 2021
It’s never been about talent with Hooker it’s just been can he stay healthy. If he can manage to stay on the field, he could very well be the Cowboy’s answer at free safety and form quite the duo with Donovan Wilson who had his breakout campaign in 2020.
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