The Atlanta Falcons secondary is undergoing somewhat of a makeover this offseason. After signing free-agent safety Jessie Bates III and trading for cornerback Jeff Okudah, the team released veteran Casey Hayward on Friday afternoon.
Hayward signed a two-year, $11 million contract in 2022, but his season ended prematurely due to a torn pectoral muscle which landed him on the injured reserve list.
The Falcons have released veteran CB Casey Heyward.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 21, 2023
Hayward, 33, started six games for the Falcons last season, racking up 17 total tackles and three passes defended. His starting spot will likely be filled by Okudah in 2023, but this could also mean a cornerback is in play with the eighth overall pick in the draft.
Originally selected in the second round by the Green Bay Packers in 2012, Hayward has appeared in two Pro Bowls over his 11-year career.
By released the veteran defensive back, the Falcons will save $5 million, while incurring a dead cap hit of around $2 million, per Over The Cap’s projections.
[lawrence-related id=112680,112666,112599]