Cowboys still shopping for safeties with 2 free agent invites

The Dallas Cowboys are in the market for a new safety, bringing free agents Malik Hooker and Domantae Kazee to town.

The Cowboys just penned a deal with former Falcons safety Keanu Neal, but Dallas is still looking for a safety or two to bolster their secondary. As it turns out, Neal could transition to linebacker instead of taking over directly for Xavier Woods, who hit free agency.

Enter ex-Colt Malik Hooker and ex-Falcon Damontae Kazee, who will take visits to Dallas this week, per Ian Rapoport. The meetings with interviews and medicals are expected to take place on Wednesday, according to Mike Fisher from CowboysSI.com.

Hooker and Kazee represent intriguing options for the Cowboys, but they are not without risk. Both of them suffered Achilles’ tear injuries in 2020. Hooker’s came on Sept. 20 against the Vikings, while Kazee’s followed on Oct. 5 against the Packers.

The Cowboys have options at safety, but they come with concerns

For Hooker, the injury concerns don’t apply to 2020 alone. Hooker missed 14 games over his first three seasons with the Colts with torn knee ligaments in 2017, a hip issue in 2018, and a torn meniscus in 2019.

The talent is there. He had three interceptions and four pass deflections in six starts as a rookie while showing promise when he’s been able to see the field since. If the Cowboys sign Hooker, they’ll be getting a player with big potential but major question marks.

Kazee’s injury record is less of a worry, though his return from his Achilles’ tear will have to weigh in free agency decisions.

The 27-year-old had a strong track record with the Falcons with a clear connection to new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. He led the NFL with seven interceptions in 2018, following up that season with three interceptions in 2019. He’s also a former teammate of Neal, which could help push through the deal.