Malik Hooker, Indianapolis Colts. (Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports)
In need of defensive help, the Dallas Cowboys signed the best available safety Malik Hooker in hopes of gaining stability in their secondary.
The Dallas Cowboys added some much needed help to their lackluster secondary by signing former first-round pick Malik Hooker.
Hooker’s body of work has been solid since 2017, showing good production and reliability in the defensive backfield. He has seven interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 36 career games. That said, while he has been productive when on the field, it’s staying on the field that has been the problem for Hooker. He played in just two games in 2020, and yes yet to play a full 16-game season. While his ability speaks for itself, it’s his availability that Dallas will be wanting the most.
The Cowboys added a nice talent to their secondary in Malik Hooker
The Cowboys allowed the 10th most yards in the NFL in 2020, and also allowed the third-most touchdown passes (34) while only coming away with 10 interceptions all season. Their less-than-stellar play was in large part to the pieces they lost in the secondary. Byron Jones left for Miami and his absence was immediately noticeable due to the lack of cornerback depth. The same can be said about safety Jeff Heath, who left for Las Vegas last offseason. The Cowboys had no viable pieces in line to replace those who left.
At the very least, Hooker will start over Damontae Kazee. He is a versatile safety that can protect the defense from getting beat over the top, but can also play in the nickel spot or occasionally come down in the box. If he can stay healthy, he can make a difference in the Cowboys’ secondary.