According to Josina Anderson, free agent cornerback Casey Hayward has agreed to sign a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders worth up to $4 million. Hayward’s five-year tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers (including one in San Diego) came to an end on March 13th, when he was released by the team. Prior to his stint with the Chargers, Hayward spent his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers after being drafted 62nd overall in the 2012 NFL draft out of Vanderbilt. He is coming off a bit of a down year, where he constantly battled injuries, despite playing in 14 games.
Free Agent CB Casey Hayward just texted me he is signing with the #Raiders.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 4, 2021
CB Casey Hayward is signing a 1-year deal worth up to $4M, per source. https://t.co/JrAH2M5RzY
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 4, 2021
Casey Hayward, Las Vegas Raiders, Agree to Contract
The 31-year old cornerback out of Perry, Georgia had an extravagant four-year career with the Commodores. He is tied for the single-season lead in interceptions for the school and was named to All-SEC second team twice and as an All-American once. As a Freshman, Hayward received legitimate snaps on defense. Operating out of the nickel, Hayward finished the season with eight tackles and three passes defended. Next year, Hayward really came onto the scene. He had two interceptions while posting 8.5 tackles for loss as a defensive back. In his final two seasons, he combined for 13 interceptions, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 132 tackles, leading to his name being called in the second round in 2012.
As a rookie, he impressed, finishing with six interceptions and 20 passes defended in just seven starts. After battling a hamstring injury in 2013, Hayward played in just three games the next season but returned in 2014. Over the next two seasons, Hayward had three interceptions, including one pick-six, and 107 tackles. In his career in Green Bay, Hayward primarily played in the slot. But, following a three-year, $15.3 million contract with the then-San Diego Chargers, Hayward flourished. However, Hayward came back down to Earth in the interception category in 2018 and 2019. He notched just two interceptions in these seasons. But, Hayward still played like a solid corner. Finally, Hayward had an up-and-down 2020 campaign. He struggled at points but was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 1.
Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Hayward provides tremendous value in free agency, both in the slot and as a boundary corner.
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