3 reasons the Panthers and Malik Hooker could be a perfect match
By Dean Jones
Malik Hooker is still available on the free-agent market and the Carolina Panthers would be the perfect fit for the safety.
The Carolina Panthers made some eye-catching additions to their defense this offseason. Phil Snow’s unit now looks explosive enough to make some real noise during the 2021 campaign, which would do their chances of mounting a surprise postseason push the world of good.
One area that does have some concerns is within the secondary. The Panthers plan to move stud rookie Jeremy Chinn back to his preferred position next season, which will help. But much will depend on whether Juston Burris can make a better go of things with a dynamic weapon alongside him.
Burris got a reprieve this offseason, with the Panthers choosing to release Tre Boston instead, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the former Cleveland Brown will be on a short lease if he starts again next time around.
Matt Rhule is keen for Carolina to explore every avenue of recruitment ahead of training camp, which is expected to be hot and hugely competitive on their return to Wofford College in Spartanburg.
Adding another veteran safety would be a smart way to go. Carolina is taking a look at Ha-Ha Clinton Dix during the minicamp this week, according to Pro Football Talk. But Malik Hooker is another potential target that would help enormously providing everything checks out from a health perspective.
Hooker has visited plenty of teams in recent weeks without agreeing to a deal as yet. The veteran told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he is hoping to visit more in pursuit of finding the right fit, which is a strong position for the player to be in.
On this subject, here are three reasons why the Panthers and Hooker could be a match made in heaven.