The Indianapolis Colts took a long time to mull over the decision to exercise the fifth-year option of safety Malik Hooker.
They ultimately decided to not exercise his option:
The #Colts are declining the fifth-year option for S Malik Hooker, source said. He becomes a free agent in 2020 and sets up for a big season. That’s also the last option that hung in the balance for the 2017 draft.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 4, 2020
With the Colts declining the option, Hooker will have to bring his play to the next level to get a big payday at the end of the 2020 season.
Just before the 2020 NFL Draft, Hookers’ name had been floated in trade conversations.
Hooker jumped onto the scene with three interceptions and 22 tackles in just seven games in his injury-shortened rookie season in 2017.
However, heading into his fourth NFL season, Hooker has failed to show the Colts that he is a large part of their future plans.
Why Did the Colts Not Exercise Hooker’s Fifth-Year Option?
After Hooker’s impressive rookie season, the Ohio State Buckeye failed to intercept more than two passes the following two years.
In 2018, quarterbacks targeted Hooker’s receivers 19 times, completed 14 passes (73.7 completion percentage), and scored two touchdowns.
Then, the following year, he was plagued by several injuries, but he still played 13 games.
In 2019, there were 19 completions on 25 targets (76.0 completion percentage) for four touchdowns.
In addition, Hooker regressed in terms of missed tackles.
He made 44 tackles and missed five in 2018.
Then, his missed tackles increased in his third season, as he made 51 tackles while missing a total of eight tackles.
The Indianapolis defense as a whole took a step back in 2019 as well.
The Colts allowed 23.3 points per game, which ranked just 18th in the NFL.
Their passing defense was among the worst 10 in the league in passing touchdowns and yards allowed.
A couple of other bottom-10 NFL statistics for the Colts in 2019 were yards allowed per pass attempt and opposing quarterback rating.
With Hooker’s injury history, declining performance, and his ability to play just 34 games over his first three seasons, this may be his final season with Indianapolis.
Why Should the Colts Have Exercised Hooker’s Option?
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