Malik Hooker's career began with plenty of promise, starting with a first-round selection out of Ohio State and continuing with three interceptions in his first seven professional games.
The way that 2017 rookie campaign closed, though, became the predominant theme of his time with the Colts. Hooker suffered a season-ending injury in his seventh game, and he's never quite been the same defensive back since. Hooker walked from Indianapolis via free agency this offseason, and after a quiet free agency, he remains unsigned. That could change soon.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Hooker is visiting the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday.
Hooker has seven career interceptions, recording two in each of his second and third professional seasons, but his final campaign with Indianapolis lasted just two games due to a season-ending torn Achilles.
Coming off another significant injury, Hooker hasn't found much of a market for his services. A post-draft visit to the Dolphins might end up determining Hooker's next destination, though, and could give him a fresh chance to prove he's still an NFL-caliber free safety.
Miami currently has Bobby McCain as its starting free safety in a solid, well-rounded secondary. Hooker could add to that group in a role that wouldn't require too much of him, as he wouldn't be looking at significant expectations with the competitive Dolphins.
We'll see if general manager Chris Grier and coach Brian Flores hit it off with Hooker, and if the two sides deem their pairing a good fit.
Elsewhere around the NFL on Tuesday:
- The Indianapolis Colts weren't able to find a replacement for retired left tackle Anthony Castonzo in the draft, but they might find him with a former No. 1 overall pick. Former Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher is set to visit the Colts later this week, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Fisher was released by the Chiefs after the past season, which ended in the AFC Championship Game for him after sustaining an Achilles injury.
- The Las Vegas Raiders are releasing safety Jeff Heath on Wednesday, Pelissero reported, per a source. Heath, 29, played 13 games (five starts) in his only season with the club; he recorded 37 tackles, four passes defensed and three interceptions. Las Vegas also announced Tuesday it has signed former Chargers corner Casey Hayward to a contract.
- The Chicago Bears are signing former Patriots wide receiver Damiere Byrd to a one-year deal, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported. The five-year pro is coming off his first and only season with the Pats in which he had career-highs of 47 receptions and 604 yards. The Bears later announced the signing.
- The Cleveland Browns signed defensive tackle Damion Square. The nine-year veteran spent the last four seasons with the Chargers, logging 24 starts in 81 games played and racking up four sacks.
- Darren Fells is visiting the Detroit Lions on Tuesday night, NFLGarafolo reported. Fells spent the last two seasons in Houston, where he started 28 games of 32 games played and caught 55 passes for 653 yards and 11 TDs. Fells played for the Lions in 2017.
- The Tennessee Titans announced Tuesday they have agreed to terms with former Broncos wide receiver Fred Brown on a multi-year deal.
- The Detroit Lions announced Tuesday the signings of long snapper Scott Daly and guard Evan Heim.
- The San Francisco 49ers announced Tuesday that they waived cornerback Adonis Alexander, wide receiver Matt Cole and safety Chris Edwards.
- The Minnesota Vikings signed receiver Shane Zylstra, per his agent. Zylstra is the younger brother of Panthers receiver Brandon Zylstra.
- Denver Broncos right tackle Ja'Wuan James suffered a torn Achilles while working out away from the team facility and could miss the 2021 season, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and James Palmer reported Tuesday. Though James' injury initially was believed to be season-ending, Garafolo reported Tuesday evening that doctors evaluated James' torn Achilles and there is hope he won't miss the entire campaign. Surgery is scheduled for later this week and they'll know more about James' recovery timeframe then.
- The Baltimore Ravens signed former Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva to a two-year deal, $14 million deal, Rapoport reported. The team later announced the signing.
- New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams broke his foot while working out, Pelissero and Garafolo reported. The team is hopeful the former first-round pick will be healthy by training camp.
