Cowboys re-sign Malik Hooker, cover underrated team need
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back Safety Malik Hooker on a two-year deal for $8 million, reported Adam Schefter from ESPN. Hooker, a free safety, is a centerpiece in Dan Quinn's defense. The Cowboys' most common defensive coverage was Cover 1, which features a single-high safety playing a deep zone while the cornerbacks play man-to-man. […]
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back Safety Malik Hooker on a two-year deal for $8 million, reported Adam Schefter from ESPN.
Hooker, a free safety, is a centerpiece in Dan Quinn's defense. The Cowboys' most common defensive coverage was Cover 1, which features a single-high safety playing a deep zone while the cornerbacks play man-to-man. There are plenty of variations, but that single-high safety is key for the defense's success.
The Cowboys played with one safety in the middle of the field at the third-highest rate in the NFL last season, according to Sports Info Solutions.
Hooker has proven to be a very capable free safety with the athleticism and range needed to cover sideline to sideline. Although he arrived in Dallas with a concerning injury history, the Cowboys eased him into the season, activating him until Week 2 against the L.A. Chargers.
Not to mention, Hooker has also proven he can play underneath even though his home is at free safety. According to PFF, he lined up 148 tames inside the box. He also played 45 snaps as a nickel cornerback.
When healthy, Hooker has proven what he can do. In 2021, he finished with 44 tackles and 30 solo tackles, earning above-average grades from PFF in overall defense, run defense, and pass coverage.
For the Cowboys, the former first-round draft pick played 39% of the defensive snaps, well below Damontae Kazee's 78%, who also played up high as a free safety. With Kazee set to become a free agent, Hooker would stand to become the starter in Dallas.
Next on the agenda for the Cowboys is Jayron Kearse. Although he's also a safety, his role is quite different from Hooker's. Playing a hybrid LB/S role, Kearse emerged as a leader of the defense for the Cowboys, providing great run support and being a reliable defender in coverage against tight ends.
If he's brought back, the Cowboys would likely be securing their two starting safeties for 2022.
Featured image via © Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
