The Dallas Cowboys don’t have many clear cut candidates this offseason, but one beat reporter pegged a defensive starter as someone who could get the boot.
That defensive starter is safety Malik Hooker, whose $21 million contract includes an out in 2026 that would incur a dead-cap charge of $2 million but save nearly $7 million.
The Athletic’s Jon Machota thinks that could be enough for the Cowboys to cut ties with Hooker this offseason.
“That leaves Hooker, who is entering the final year of his deal. Releasing him would save Dallas about $6.8 million against the cap,” he said. “But that all greatly depends on how new defensive coordinator Christian Parker feels about Hooker and a safety position that isn’t very strong.”
Hooker proved to be an asset in run defense in 2025, as evidenced by his 82.9 Pro Football Focus grade that ranked eighth among safeties — but that was about the extent of his positive contribution.
Hooker struggled in coverage to the tune of a 67.9% completion rate allowed and a 131.7 passer rating when targeted, and he ranked 75th at the position with his 51.8 PFF coverage grade.
By the numbers, it’s easy to see why the Cowboys might cut ties with Hooker. But, on the flip side, safety is one of Dallas’ weakest positions on defense and cutting Hooker would make the hole at the position even bigger.
But the Cowboys also have a terrible cap space situation, with the team projected to be over the cap by over $30 million.
Making matters worse, Dallas has some key pending free agents, and the Cowboys have some expensive needs on defense, like edge rusher, for example.
If sacrificing Hooker helps the Cowboys take care of those needs, it’s a move the team should make.
