NFL Tickets
Injuries were the leading factor in the San Diego Chargers‘ dismal 4-12 season in 2015, but a lackluster defense that intercepted just 11 passes all season didn’t help things much. In a nice step to fortify its secondary, San Diego agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Casey Hayward on Sunday.
I’m told CB Casey Heyward has agreed to terms with the #Chargers.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 13, 2016
Hayward spent his first four NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers, starting 20 of the 51 games he played (including a career-high 11 starts last season). Hayward did not have an interception last year while playing primarily in the slot for the Packers, but he had a career-high in tackles (65) with seven pass breakups. Pro Football Focus had high regard for Hayward’s effort last season, giving him 21st coverage grade out of 118 qualified cornerbacks.
With Patrick Robinson (10 starts in 2015) rumored to be getting interest from multiple teams and likely to depart in free agency, Hayward will step right into a prominent role for the Chargers. He may again see most of his action in the slot, but he has the ability to play on the outside as well, and that versatility has great value in a pass-heavy league.
If Brandon Flowers comes back well from the knee injury that ended his 2015 season early, and Jason Verrett can build on a strong second season (12 pass breakups, three interceptions, 47 total tackles) that led to a Pro Bowl nod, San Diego will not have an issue with their top two corners.
With the addition of Hayward, the Chargers now have a solid trio of cornerbacks that a lot of teams would like to have.
Share 
