The Buccaneers need upgrades at the safety position and could find just that with Malik Hooker being made available for trade
The Buccaneers suffered through abysmal safety play this past season. The team opted to bring Andrew Adams back in free agency after being the 63rd ranked safety by PFF out of 86 qualified participants. Mike Edwards (76th) and Jordan Whitehead (86th) weren’t offering much of anything either to the 30th ranked pass defense in yards given up per game (270.1 per Pro Football Reference).
Justin Evans, the former second-round pick, is expected to return for Tampa Bay’s secondary. But with injuries haunting Evans ever since his college days, and still being a complete unknown in terms of being a good player or not, the Buccaneers cannot rely on Evans at this point to be the secondary’s saving grace.
Indianapolis Colts’ former first-round pick, Malik Hooker, now has been rumored to be on the trade market.
More players available...Malik Hooker, Indy, PJ Hall Oakland, Rasul Douglas Phila, Adam Sheehan, Chicago. It's going to be a fun week.
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) April 21, 2020
The 24-year-old safety has shown flashes of great potential since entering the league after being a standout during his collegiate tenure at Ohio State.
Health issues have also arisen for Hooker, after missing five games the past two seasons and failing to complete an entire 16 game season. Another potential health concern at safety could persuade Tampa Bay fans to look elsewhere, but with the team being in win-now mode, acquiring a ballhawk caliber safety may prove to be worth the risk especially given his affordable contract.
The Colts have yet to pick up Hooker’s fifth-year option for 2021 and have until May 4th to do so. But with the 2020 NFL Draft quickly approaching, Indianapolis fielding offers for the safety could indicate how the team feels about the safety’s long-term future with the organization.
Colts’ general manager, Chris Ballard, has hinted at his desire to acquire more draft picks, especially after sending the team’s first-round pick to San Franciso last month for DeForest Buckner. With the team eyeing the 2020 NFL Draft quarterback class, acquiring more draft capital could push Indianapolis to move Hooker.
The Colts drafted Hooker envisioning him in former head coach Chuck Pagano’s 3-4 based defense. Hooker fits the prototypical ‘centerfield’ safety with his quick range, which would be a welcome addition in Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ defense.
Of course, Tampa Bay can add a safety in the 2020 NFL Draft, but with pressing needs at offensive tackle, defensive line, and a pass-catching running back, the Buccaneers’ need for safety may be forced to take a back seat until the later part of day two or the beginning of day three in the draft.
Hooker may not be an elite talent at safety, but a change of scenery and a new defensive scheme could really make a world of difference for the safety’s ballhawk ability that is shown through his seven interceptions in 34 games.
For a team ready to win immediately and looking for an upgrade in the backend of their secondary, the Buccaneers would be wise to entertain making an offer for Hooker. A fourth-round pick should get it done, and Tampa Bay still has one left after trading for Rob Gronkowski.
The Buccaneers appear willing to forgo draft picks for immediate impacts with their recent moves and should continue that by acquiring Hooker.