KC Chiefs: Way too early list of safeties to target in 2021

Safeties for KC Chiefs to Target: Malik Hooker

This one probably isn’t going to happen, as Malik Hooker is considered to be one of the best safeties in free agency this year. Hooker was a first-round pick by the Colts in 2017 but after starting in just two games last year, it doesn’t appear he’ll be returning to Indianapolis for 2021.

Hooker has struggled to stay healthy in his career, which is the main reason I’m including him here. That will lower his price tag and if the Chiefs decide to take a chance on him and he pans out, it’d be yet another example of Brett Veach doing what he does best – Giving a former first-rounder another opportunity to prove themselves for a fraction of the cost.

Hooker turns 25 in April, so he’s still very young and there’s plenty of optimism surrounding him. Hopefully, the injuries scare off other teams enough and the Chiefs could give Hooker a shot to play for a Super Bowl contender.

Safeties for KC Chiefs to Target: Keanu Neal

Former first-round safety Keanu Neal finds himself in a similar category as Hooker because, during the course of two seasons, he started just four games. Neal was a first-round pick in 2016 by the Falcons and looked to be off to a promising career when he totaled 222 tackles during his first two seasons in the NFL.

In 2018 and 2019, however, he missed the majority of both seasons. He looked good in 2020, notching 100 tackles and showing glimpses of what made him a first-round pick. Like Hooker, Neal is someone whose durability will be questioned.

This could be an opportunity for the Chiefs to swoop in and sign him as a bargain safety.