The San Diego Chargers have signed free agent Casey Hayward to a three-year deal. Hayward was a slot cornerback for the Green Bay Packers prior to free agency and was on the field for the majority of their games.
Hayward was not the most reliable player when the Packers looked for turnovers during the 2015 season. His rookie season, 2012, was his most productive as he picked off 6 passes.
Hayward was the Packers' second round pick during the 2012 NFL draft, and suffered a fairly severe hamstring injury in his second season as a pro. The injury forced him to miss most of his sophomore season, however, he returned to play in every game for the two seasons following 2013.
Green Bay seemingly drafted in preparation for Hayward's potential departure as they devoted the franchise's first and second picks to the cornerback position. The Packers selected Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins to become the future of this Green Bay secondary.
Randall saw the field a ton last season and has proven to be a versatile member of this secondary. Randall recorded 53 tackles, 14 pass defenses, 3 interceptions and a defensive touchdown during the 2015 season.
The Chargers have been pretty busy in free agency as they have already added seven players to the roster, including former Cleveland Browns receiver Travis Benjamin, Seattle Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Mebane and Indianapolis Colts free safety Dwight Lowery.
The Bolts resigned six of their players - right tackle Joe Barksdale, tight end Antonio Gates, quarterback Kellen Clemens, defensive tackle Damion Square, wide receiver Dontrelle Inman and offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins - which shows that they do have some faith in their roster regardless of the turmoil going on within their organization.
Hayward will come in and be an immediate replacement for free agent cornerback Patrick Robinson, who should leave in free agency. San Diego may be looking to rebuild its secondary after the departure of Robinson, All-Pro safety Eric Weddle and cornerbacks Cassius Vaughn and Brandian Ross.
San Diego will look to rebound from a disappointing season in which the team finished last in its division (4-12). The addition of Hayward will, at least, help this secondary remain productive as the 2016 NFL season approaches. The Chargers must bring in a strong draft class if they hope to compete in the competitive AFC West.
