The Raiders were significantly improved on defense this season and one of the biggest reasons why is due to their secondary. Not only did they get great play from two rookies, but they had one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL this season in Casey Hayward Jr.
Hayward instantly solidified the secondary and was among the most reliable players on the team. His consistent play from week to week allowed the Raiders to slow down some of the best passing offenses in the NFL.
In a recent article by Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, he named the best and the worst free-agent signings from the past offseason. Not surprisingly, Hayward showed up on the list after Raiders gave him a one-year, $4 million deal.
“Hayward was one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks over the last decade, but at 31 years old and coming off a season with a 59.5 PFF grade, it looked like Hayward’s career as a quality starter may be over. The Raiders picked him up on a one-year deal for just $2.5 million, and he bounced back.
Hayward’s PFF grade jumped almost 20 points, as allowed two touchdowns all year — less than half the total he allowed in the prior season. Passes thrown into his coverage generated an 81.5 passer rating, and for a stretch early in the season, he was the No. 1-graded corner in the league.
Hayward’s time as one of the very best corners in the game may be done, but he proved he can still be a quality starter in the right defense.”
It remains to be seen if the Raiders bring back Hayward this offseason as he might follow defensive coordinator Gus Bradley wherever he goes. But if the Raiders want to continue to take steps forward on defense, it’s important that they bring him back this offseason at an increased rate.
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