Report: Colts declining Malik Hooker's 5th-year option

The Indianapolis Colts are declining safety Malik Hooker's fifth-year option, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Hooker, 24, is now set to become a free agent after the 2020 season.

The former 15th overall pick out of Ohio State has started 33 games since 2017 and has yet to play a full NFL season.

Hooker amassed 51 tackles, two interceptions, and three passes defended through 13 games in 2019.

The Colts allowed 248.9 passing yards per game last season, which ranked 23rd in the league. Indianapolis added a safety in each of the last two drafts, selecting Khari Willis in the fourth round in 2019 and using a third-round pick on Julian Blackmon this year.

Hooker is the last 2017 first-rounder to reportedly be informed of a decision regarding his rookie contract. He joins 12 other players who had their fifth-year option declined, while the option was exercised on 17 players. Among the three safeties taken in the first round that year - the other two being Jamal Adams and Jabrill Peppers - Hooker is the only one to have his option declined.

Also from the 2017 draft class, Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey signed a contract extension that will be added to his rookie deal and defensive end Taco Charlton was released after stints with the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. Charlton recently signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Teams have until the end of May 4 to make their decisions official.

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