PFF says this Cowboy is the best low cost free agent safety

Free agency is always an excellent place for NFL teams to pick up the talent they need in the offseason. This year’s free-agent class is full of high-quality players at several positions. The problem for most teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, is that they can’t always afford the high-profile names at the positions they need. For that reason, many teams hope to get lucky with lower-cost athletes who they hope will make a turnaround with a new organization.

PFF released a list of the best low-cost free agents at every single NFL position. One Cowboy name was present, fifth-year safety Malik Hooker. The safety position happens to be a huge issue for the Cowboys. It is a position that has long needed a star, and on top of that, five safeties are headed to free agency in March. They are Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, Jayron Kearse, Darion Thompson, and Hooker.

There is no way the Cowboys can keep all five, but who will they prioritize? Or, will they let multiple go and hope to save that money to get someone better in free agency? Only time will tell. But Hooker is definitely going to be a safety that won’t come at that high of a cost. Hooker enters a free-agent class with several big-name players such as Jessie Bates, Marcus Williams, and Tyrann Mathieu. For this reason, he may be overlooked by many teams.

While Hooker was far from the best player on the Cowboys roster, he did play in 15 games. In that time, he had one interception and 44 tackles. However, it’s his low contract value that may be the reason Dallas keeps him.

Cowboys safety Malik Hooker is listed as the best low-cost free agent at the position by Pro Football Focus

Unfortunately for Hooker, he hasn’t had a role as a full-time starting safety since 2019. For that reason, he may be looking forward to free agency so that he can get picked up by a team that can fully use his talent.

PFF predicts that due to his young age and fewer snaps, Hooker will likely be looking at another one-year deal for 2022.  However, that age should also be something that intrigues teams. Hooker is only 26 years old and he definitely brings range when it comes to coverage in the secondary. The Cowboy is also good at helping with run support when taking snaps closer to the line of scrimmage. He has an intriguing combination of range in coverage with a willingness to help out in run support when playing closer to the line of scrimmage.

A future team can definitely make good use of this safety. However, if the Cowboys don’t draft a safety and can’t afford the top ones in the free-agent market, giving Hooker away might not be a great idea. We will have to wait and see if Jerry Jones lets him slip.