There was a time not that long ago where the Cowboys struggled to find even one quality safety. For years, the safety position was the Achilles’ heel of the defense and they cycled through several options every year. Even non-diehard fans of the Cowboys would be able to name several journeymen safeties who rolled through Dallas in the late 2000s and throughout the 2010s.
But that position has stabilized itself over the last few seasons and a big reason why has been due to the play of Malik Hooker, a former first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts. Talent has never been an issue for Hooker; it’s been his inability to stay on the field. Hooker played just 36 games in four seasons with the Colts, and he suffered multiple season-ending injuries early in his career.
Things have turned around for Hooker in Dallas as he has appeared in a whopping 64 regular-season games for Dallas. He became a full-time starter for the Cowboys during the 2023 season and has been one of their most reliable and consistent defenders over the years.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they named each team’s most underrated player going into the 2025 season and of course, Hooker was the selection for the Cowboys.
Cowboys safety Malik Hooker is primed for another big season
Here is what Jonathon Macri had to say about the former Ohio State Buckeye going into the year:
"Hooker took over as a starting safety in 2022 and never looked back, playing nearly 3,000 defensive snaps over that span. He has earned a top-10 PFF run-defense grade (89.3) and a top-20 PFF overall grade (78.8) at the position since 2022."Jonathon Macri, Pro Football Focus
The Cowboys have a lot of uncertainty going on in their secondary after losing Jourdan Lewis in free agency and with the recent injury to Trevon Diggs. It’s very likely they start multiple young cornerbacks including Kaiir Elam and Shavon Revel. But having a reliable and cerebral free safety like Malik Hooker on the roster should make everyone sleep easier at night.
Hooker is entering the final year of his contract and the Cowboys would be wise to extend him now. He’s been an incredibly durable player in Dallas, and his ability to help in the run game and create splash plays in coverage make him the best safety the Cowboys have had since… Ken Hamlin? Or maybe Roy Williams?
Look for Hooker to have another outstanding year in Matt Eberflus’ defense.