Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is worth “up to” $24 million, includes an $8 million signing bonus, and features $16.5 million in guarantees. Hooker signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in 2021 and served as the team’s third safety. His role took a leap forward in 2022 as he played on 81 percent of the team’s defensive snaps across 16 games. Hooker totaled three pass breakups, three interceptions, and 62 total tackles. He also took a fumble 32 yards into the end zone in Week 13 versus his former team, the Colts.

Hooker was coming off a lost season due to a torn Achilles' when the Cowboys took a one-year flier on him last offseason. He was only credited with three starts during his first season in Dallas, but Hooker logged 446 snaps, showing that durability wasn't an issue. He recorded 44 combined tackles, two pass defenses, and one interception. Both of the starting safeties in Dallas are free agents. Bringing back Hooker gives the team some flexibility on whether or not both members of the starting duo are re-signed. Hooker, a former first-round pick, could be in line for a full-time role in 2022. 

The Cowboys also activated DT Trysten Hill, RB JaQuan Hardy and WR Brandon Smith from the COVID list. Hooker should be up to speed in time for the Cowboys' Week 17 game against Arizona. He has two pass defenses and an interception this year.

Hooker has tested positive, and has little shot at getting cleared in time for Sunday's game against the Football Team. Enjoying a nice mini resurgence in Big D, Hooker is playing 30-40 solid weekly snaps. He will hopefully be back for Week 17 vs. Arizona.