The Los Angeles Chargers cut ties with another veteran player to increase their cap space for NFL Free Agency, releasing cornerback Casey Hayward. This move saves $9.7M in cap space. The Chargers now have roughly $45M total to spend this offseason.
Chargers Release Casey Hayward
Back in 2016, when the Chargers signed Hayward in free agency, they had no idea what they were going to get from the former Green Bay Packer. Looking back through the rearview mirror, the signing of Hayward is arguably the greatest free agent addition in franchise history.
Since joining the team, Hayward made two Pro Bowls (2016-17), finished on the All-NFL Second-Team during those same two seasons and led the NFL in interceptions in 2016, with seven. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Hayward is a member of the 2010’s All-Decade Team. There are many accolades and accomplishments associated with Hayward’s career – but none of them compare to the man he is off the field. In 2017, Hayward was nominated as the Walter Payton Man of the Year to represent the Chargers. Week in and week out, on and off the field, Hayward contributed to the Chargers organization in many different ways.
Chargers Free Agency Needs at CB
The Chargers now have some holes to fill in the secondary. With the loss of Hayward and Michael Davis currently headed for free agency, the only cornerback on the roster for the Chargers is Chris Harris Jr. Tevaughn Campbell and Brandon Facyson are also headed for free agency.
The Bolts will need to bring in multiple guys to compete for the cornerback job. I expect them to re-sign Davis, as well as potentially sign a free agent corner. Drafting a corner is still a possibility, even more so with nine total picks.
Davis is a guy that the team would love to bring back, especially with his low market value. He can turn into a great replacement for Hayward and that allows the team to spend money toward their biggest concern, the offensive line.
You may be asking yourself why the Chargers decided to move on from Hayward. This decision certainly wasn’t an easy one, as “Showcase” contributed in every game. The 31-year-old will get plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent elsewhere. The team felt it was best to use their cap space on younger, fresher talent to improve their (7-9) record last season.
