Former Pro Bowl cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. is no longer a Las Vegas Raider after signing a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The two-year contract runs through the 2023 season.
Casey Hayward Jr. signs with Atlanta Falcons
Hayward agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He offers the Falcons veteran leadership and high-level zone coverage ability.
Hayward, 32, is on his fourth stop in the NFL. Although he’s never been billed as fast or explosive, he’s maintained a high level of play because of his intelligence in coverage and fantastic reactive athleticism. His route recognition is top-notch, and his ability to change direction still feels instantaneous.
Getting to know Hayward Jr.
He went to back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2016 and 2017 while with the Chargers. Hayward also earned second-team All-Pro honors in both seasons.
If the best ability is availability, Hayward has some of the best capabilities in the NFL. He’s missed just two games dating back all the way to 2014 as a Green Bay Packer.
After spending most of his first four seasons in the slot, the Chargers transitioned him to the outside in 2016, where his highest level of play came. The Falcons could realistically put him at any cornerback spot on the field and expect him to succeed.
Hayward has 24 career interceptions and 79 career passes broken up. But perhaps more importantly, he’s allowed just 54.2% of his targets to be completed for his career. His passer rating against sits at 75.8.
Career with the Raiders
After having a subpar 2020 campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers, Hayward moved onto a more zone-heavy role in Las Vegas.
The Raiders played a ridiculously high percentage of Cover 3 snaps, allowing Hayward to remain in over the top and outside leverage. That kept him from having to out-athlete younger and springier receivers downfield.
Who is left on the market?
Hayward was the 17th overall free agent and eighth-ranked defensive back for Pro Football Network. There are still many names to choose from in the 2022 NFL free agency class. Steven Nelson, Donte Jackson, and Bryce Callahan are a few names that should be looking to ink new deals soon.
