Subscribe
Follow Us
The Indianapolis Colts selected Malik Hooker with the 15th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Since then, the defensive back has flashed his potential. Although he might not be the most elite safety in the league, Hooker has insane athleticism and has shown improvements in his game. He's also still just 24 years old.
Because of that, it should be no surprise that teams are interested in Hooker. And according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic and Dov Kleiman, the safety could be on the trading block.
In addition to 2017 second round pick, CB Quincy Wilson, the #Colts also have 2017 first round pick, Safety Malik Hooker on the trade block.
Hooker was the 15th overall pick in that Draft and started 33 games the past three seasons, picking off 7 passes. pic.twitter.com/mDDLhJKarm
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 21, 2020
The initial word I’m getting on Malik Hooker is that teams have called the Colts to inquire about him, NOT the other way around. Take everything w a grain of salt this time of year, but I believe this is very plausible.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 21, 2020
But just because Hooker is potentially on the trading block does not mean the Colts are all that interested in trading him.
Article Continues Below
Still, they might be willing to hear offers. As mentioned already, Hooker is still very young. He's also improving in his game and is extremely athletic. All of that could mean his price tag is pretty high. And if a team wants to pay the world for him, the Colts might be smart to listen.
In three seasons, Hooker has appeared in just 34 games. In that time, he's racked up 117 tackles, seven interceptions and 11 pass deflections.
The numbers might need some work, and he definitely needs to prove that he can play a full season. However, Hooker's upside heavily outweighs the concerns. And if the Colts want to keep the safety past his current deal, which ends after the 2020 season, they might need to pony up a sizable chunk of money.
There's a chance Indianapolis isn't sure if they want to sign him to a new long-term deal. If that's the case, trading Hooker might be the smartest option. Especially if a team is interested enough to give them a great package in return.
This appears to be mainly speculation at this point. Both Holder and Kleiman seem to make it pretty clear that it is far from a forgone conclusion that Hooker will be traded. But it is clear that interested teams are sniffing around the Colts to see if they'd be willing to move him.
