Since arriving in Nashville as a 20-year-old draftee, Amani Hooker’s stock has continued to rise. The Iowa alum has taken his game to new heights every season and is due for a new contract next off-season. Reports recently came out that the Titans and Hooker have had preliminary discussions in regards to a new contract. What could a new deal look like? Let’s break it down.
Hooker’s Breakout 2021 Campaign
Amani Hooker became the Titans starting strong safety after the team’s release of veteran Kenny Vaccaro last off-season. Hooker spent his first 2 professional seasons as a key cog of the Titans special teams unit before being awarded a starting role on defense.
The 24-year-old Minnesota native certainly seized his first starting opportunity in 2021, allowing just 157 yards in 12 games (13 yards per game), while not allowing a single touchdown. Hooker earned an 85.9 coverage grade, from Pro Football Focus, and was a huge factor in the Titans defensive turnaround.
The strong safety Hooker and All-Pro Kevin Byard formed one of, if not the best safety duo in the NFL, and the Titans should make it a priority to keep them together for the foreseeable future.
Hooker Contract: Comparables and Predictions
The closest comparison for a potential Amani Hooker contract extension is Cleveland Browns’ safety John Johnson III. The former Ram signed a 3-year $33,750,000 contract to be a member of the Dawg Pound last off-season.
Johnson allowed just 174 yards in the final campaign before his payday, a very similar total to Hooker’s aforementioned 157. It is worth noting that both play very similar roles in their respective defenses as well.
Johnson may be more accomplished, but Hooker is only going to continue his upward trend. His recent success and upside justify any contract in the neighborhood of the one given to Johnson last spring.
As far as predictions goes, I can fathom Hooker hauling in anywhere from $9 to $12 million per year, over a span of 3 to 4 seasons. The Titans should complete this deal before kickoff in September. It would be a worthwhile pact for both sides as Hooker gets paid and the Titans lock up a great player.
