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Washington Football Team: Free agents team could target in 2021

By Ken Johannesen

Oct 25, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) exits the field after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) exits the field after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2019; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Malik Hooker (29) reacts during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2019; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Malik Hooker (29) reacts during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /

6. S Malik Hooker

Free safety Malik Hooker of the Indianapolis Colts was not given the fifth-year option in the last offseason and that surprised analysts and Colts fans alike.  After this season, Hooker is set to enter free agency and he could be an attractive target for the WFT.

One caveat. Hooker ruptured his Achilles early in the season and it is possible he could miss training camp next summer and the start of the 2021 season.  Injury aside, Hooker would be an obvious upgrade for Washington at a position of need.

Hooker is not the best free safety in the NFL, but his talent is undeniable.  Is he in the top third of free safeties in the league?  Probably so, and that is good enough for the Washington defense and this is why he should be on the front office’s radar in 2021.

Hooker’s stats are modest, but they are consistent and more than just decent.  He is able to hold his own in the secondary and doesn’t make glaring mistakes too often.  It would be a stretch to say he is a playmaker, but Hooker will surprise you with an occasional burst of athleticism, speed, and awareness.

A contract for the former Ohio State star probably amounts to four years at about $9 million per season.  He could seek to play on a one-year deal following the injury with the hope of garnering a better payday in 2022.  If that happens, then it must be considered, but Washington should continue to pursue a long term deal anyway.

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