The Buffalo Bills added the NFL's co-leader in interceptions on Tuesday when they traded for Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker. Here is what to know about the player Titans fans watched for nearly eight seasons.
The deal: Buffalo sent its 2027 second-round pick to Tennessee and received Hooker plus the Titans' 2027 fifth-round pick. The Associated Press reported the trade came together about two hours before the deadline. The Titans said the deal was pending a physical.
The background: Hooker played college football at Iowa, where he was named the Big Ten's Defensive Back of the Year in 2018, according to the Bills. Tennessee drafted him in the fourth round in 2019, and he became a full-time starter in 2021.
The numbers: Hooker is 28 and has played 103 games with 74 starts, according to the AP. The Bills credit him with 17 interceptions, 45 passes defended, 14 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and 468 tackles. His 17 interceptions rank fifth in the franchise's Titans era, behind Kevin Byard, Michael Griffin, Samari Rolle and Keith Bulluck, according to the Titans.
The hot streak: Hooker has a career-high-matching five interceptions this season, tied with Green Bay's Xavier McKinney for the NFL lead. Three came in his final game for Tennessee, a 43-36 overtime loss at Cincinnati on Nov. 1.
The contract: Hooker has two more years remaining on his deal after this season, making him more than a rental for Buffalo. Bills general manager Brandon Beane compared him to former Bills safety Micah Hyde, another Iowa product. "He's a player that has instincts, ball skills," Beane said.
The fit: The AP reported Hooker is in line to start opposite Cole Bishop, replacing backup Damar Hamlin, after Buffalo released C.J. Gardner-Johnson last week. The Bills are 7-1 and lead the AFC.
The Titans, now 1-7, host Jacksonville on Sunday.
Sources: The Associated Press; Buffalo Bills; Tennessee Titans