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K.C. Chiefs: Four safety targets to consider in free agency

By Josh Fann

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 21: Malik Hooker #29 of the Indianapolis Colts is seen before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 21: Malik Hooker #29 of the Indianapolis Colts is seen before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 21: Malik Hooker #29 of the Indianapolis Colts is seen before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 21: Malik Hooker #29 of the Indianapolis Colts is seen before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Malik Hooker

Former Indianapolis Colts safety Malik Hooker will be a free agent this offseason after the team declined to pick up his fifth-year option prior to the 2020 season. Hooker is a very productive safety when he’s healthy—the key word being healthy.

Unfortunately Hooker hasn’t been healthy, as he has not played a 16-game season once in his four-year career. He’s played as many as 14 games (2018) and as little as two games (2020) in a single season.

Injuries aside, Hooker has been pretty impressive recording 81 solo tackles, 7 interceptions, and 11 passes defended in four seasons. Still just 24 years old and showing flashes, maybe the Chiefs can get Hooker at a discounted price considering his situation and the unusual market that will be 2021 free agency due to COVID.

If the Chiefs were to make this move, they could rotate Juan Thornhill and Hooker at free safety in a co-starter role to help take the load off each other, which is ideal for two players that maybe aren’t the most durable. Either that or the Chiefs could run some three-safety sets and try to take away the middle of the field.

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