3 free agents the Vikings should sign before 2021 minicamp
By Adam Carlson
Malik Hooker, safety
The starters at safety are essentially set with the Minnesota Vikings likely to go forward with longtime defender Harrison Smith and newly-signed defensive back Xavier Woods likely to get the start. However, any depth past the starting duo is highly questionable.
Bringing in a safety with some experience to compete with Josh Metellus and 2021 draft pick Camryn Bynum would be extremely wise since both current backups lack time in game-time situations. Malik Hooker might be a good individual to solve that problem.
A cheaper one-year deal for the former Indianapolis Colts would ensure that there is some stability in that unit for Minnesota. Hooker has struggled to stay on the field, but a smaller role behind Smith and Woods could do wonders for his health and help him land a bigger contract for the 2022 season.
Hooker has played in 36 games in his four-year NFL career, starting 35 of those. During that time, he racked up 124 combined tackles, 11 pass defenses, seven interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Having a player like him ready to come in off the bench would take a lot of pressure off a young group of safeties looking to establish themselves in the league.