Chargers released CB Casey Hayward

The Chargers continue to make the tough decisions heading into Brandon Staley’s first season as head coach, and that now includes the move to release veteran cornerback Casey Hayward. The move comes just 24 hours after the team officially released guard Trai Turner, saving them a total of $21,250,000 on the cap.

Hayward initially signed with the Bolts as a free agent back in 2016 after spending the first four season of his career with the Packers. That first year in San Diego, Hayward led the NFL with seven interceptions and was named to his first Pro Bowl. The following year, he recorded four more picks and was voted to another Pro Bowl. Over those two seasons, he also broke up a combined 42 passes.

In his past three seasons with the Chargers however, Hayward has nabbed just three picks with 24 total PBUs.

This past season alone, Hayward allowed career-highs in completions (38), yards (631), and touchdowns (5). His missed tackle percentage of 18 percent was also more than double his mark in that area from the previous year (8.6).

It’s a tough way to see Showcase go, but this move isn’t all that surprising. The Chargers are shifting to a Cover 2 heavy scheme on defense and Hayward was no longer going to be a great fit. Despite it all, we can’t forget that he was one of the best cover corners in the NFL during his early years with the Bolts.

We’re going to miss him and certainly wish him the best wherever he lands this offseason.