The Indianapolis Colts decided to not pick up the fifth-year option for Malik Hooker’s contract. This came after rumors had surfaced before the 2020 NFL Draft regarding the team listening to trade offers for him.
The expectations surrounding Hooker were high when the Colts selected him No. 15 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. A torn ACL and MCL in his right knee during his rookie campaign caused him to miss the remaining nine games of the season.
Since that period, the issue for Hooker hasn’t necessarily been mostly about staying on the field. It has been about making a dynamic enough impact relative to the expectations that were set for him. He just hasn’t quite managed to get back to his pre-injury form yet.
During the 2019 season, Hooker appeared in 13 games and totaled 51 combined tackles (one for loss), two interceptions, and three passes defensed. It was a respectable performance from the Ohio State product but wasn’t at the level he is capable of achieving.
With that being said, there are three teams that should trade for Colts safety Malik Hooker.