The Dallas Cowboys' financial outlook received a boost earlier this week when it was reported that the 2026 salary cap could reach up to $305.7 million. With America's Team projected to be more than $31.3 million north of the cap before the official number is released, per Spotrac, it's easy to see why the Cowboys will appreciate any help they can get as offseason planning continues.
Although the projected cap increase is exciting, it won't be enough to help the Cowboys address all of their needs. Owner/general manager Jerry Jones will likely need to move on from certain contracts and players if it means making his life easier.
That's why safety Malik Hooker's future is up for debate at the beginning of February, just over a month before free agency begins.
Malik Hooker's Cowboys Future Nearing the End 1 Month Before Free Agency
Hooker is a nine-year NFL veteran who's spent the majority of that time with the Cowboys. He's currently playing on a three-year, $21 million extension he signed back in August 2023, and while it'd be nice to see him finish his deal in Dallas, wrapping the partnership up early might be in the Cowboys' best interest.
As well-respected as Hooker might be in the locker room, his on-field performance is the opposite. His health struggled as he missed five games during the regular season, resulting in just 28 solo tackles and one broken-up pass across 12 starts. He also failed to haul in an interception for the first time since coming to the Lone Star State.
Hooker can still reliably stop the run, but it's his Swiss cheese-like coverage that gives the Cowboys a reason to turn the page. According to Pro Football Focus, the former Ohio State Buckeye allowed 15 catches on 18 targets (83.3 percent) for 295 yards, one touchdown, and a passer rating of 155.8.
What's interesting about that passer rating is that he's only allowed a number that high once, which came in his final season with the Indianapolis Colts (158.3 in 2020). His health and poor coverage played a key role in the Colts' decision to decline his fifth-year option, and now there's a chance the Cowboys will come to the same conclusion after a similar timeframe.
As for what a divorce could look like, the Cowboys can save over $6.9 million by cutting or trading Hooker at any point of the NFL offseason, per Spotrac. Not only would that freed-up cap space help the Dallas address free agents and expiring contracts, but it'd also allow new defensive coordinator Christian Parker to completely overhaul the safety room after Donovan Wilson hits unrestricted free agency next month.
All of this isn't to say that Hooker's exit is a foregone conclusion; however, a potential split should be on the table this offseason. The Cowboys need to beef up their safety situation if they want to hang with the NFC's top contenders, and moving on from a vet who does more harm than good on the gridiron will help get there.
That's why it won't be a surprise if Hooker is wearing another team's jersey the next time that Dallas fans see him.