This Colts-Vikings Trade Involving Anthony Harris and Malik Hooker Could Be the Perfect Swap

On Monday, it was revealed that the Indianapolis Colts would not be exercising the fifth-year option on the contract of safety Malik Hooker, who was drafted No. 15 overall by the franchise in 2017.

That pretty much signaled to the rest of the NFL that the Colts are willing to part ways with the former Ohio State star, who, despite being injury prone, is a stud box safety and a proven ball hawk.

Luckily for them, there's one team that might still be looking to unload its starting safety: the Minnesota Vikings.

The #Colts won't pick up the fifth-year option on safety Malik Hooker, per @JFowlerESPN. He is now slated to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021. Interesting decision. Has seven interceptions in 33 career starts. Just 24 years old.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) May 4, 2020

The Vikings' stance on Anthony Harris has fluctuated all offseason. However, we firmly believe that general manager Rick Spielman would bite at the right price. Hooker absolutely fits that bill. In 33 career starts, the 24-year-old has produced 117 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 11 pass deflections.

One headache to navigate here is the discrepancy in the two players' salaries for the 2020 season. The franchise-tagged Harris is set to pocket $11 million, while Hooker will bank just $2.18 million in the final year of his rookie deal. The Colts have the cap space to take on Harris' salary, but they might demand a late-round draft pick in return as well to help make up for that $9 million difference.

Indy doesn't have a ton of leverage here, but a sixth- or seventh-round selection could make this work.

Source: I'm told t/ #Vikings & S Anthony Harris r expected to resume discussions on his status & long-term deal. There were talks towards end of Mar. I'm told a deal is in t/ "realm" of what's necessary to finalize but Harris knows other factors cd still impact his future in Min.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 17, 2020

In terms of potential and overall talent, Hooker and Harris are about as even as it gets. On paper, this trade is simply a win-win scenario for both the Colts and Vikings, and it could give Indy a long-term solution at the position if they like what they see from Harris.