Cowboys expected to sign top safety remaining on the free agent market

The Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of signing top remaining free agent safety Malik Hooker to beef up their secondary for 2021.

It took a while, but Malik Hooker appears to have found a new team for the 2021 season, trading in his Colts uniform for the Cowboys.

Hooker is visiting Dallas for a second time this free agency period. Assuming his physical goes fine, he’s expected to sign, according to Michael Gehiken of the Dallas Morning News.

The Steelers and other teams were also after Hooker, so the Cowboys should feel good about making a deal happen.

The Cowboys are set to sign Malik Hooker

Hooker might have been a much bigger name on the free agent market if not for major injury issues. The Colts drafted him in 2017 despite him recovering from a college injury issue. He played seven games, including six starts, as a rookie but ended up on injured reserve before the end of the season.

The young safety showed promise in 2018 and 2019, starting 27 games across those two seasons. He had two interceptions in each campaign. However, he tore his Achilles tendon during the 2020 season. Concerns over coming back from that injury have hovered over his free agency.

Signing Hooker is a risk because of the injuries. He may not be able to contribute at all if his body can’t get right or stay right. It could be a stroke of genius if he can stay healthy.

In terms of talent, he has plenty to give. There aren’t a ton of former first-round talents out there, especially ones who looked good when they were on the field.

Hooker may just provide some needed competition at safety. He could also completely revive his career by winning over a starting job. Since he’s only 25 years old, this move could also work out for the long term.