5 cornerbacks the Carolina Panthers could target in 2022 free agency
By Jason Huber
Carolina Panthers could sign Casey Hayward
At 32 years old, Casey Hayward might be past his prime. But after a down year in 2020, the veteran cornerback had a big bounce-back season with the Las Vegas Raiders and earned himself a bit of money this free agency period.
Hayward was a Pro Bowler in 2016 and 2017, and after being cut due to his large contract by the Los Angeles Chargers before last season, he made an immediate impact for the Raiders and helped guide them to the playoffs.
Hayward started all 17 games for the Raiders and was given a 75.0 coverage grade by Pro Football Focus.
If the Carolina Panthers don’t re-sign Stephon Gilmore, bringing in a veteran like Hayward could provide tons of experience to a relatively young cornerback room.
The possibility of having Hayward and Jaycee Horn lining up alongside each other could make a scary combination. According to PFF, the former second-round pick is expected to receive around $6.5 million per year but due to his age, it could be a one-year or shorter-term contract.
Carolina might not want to invest that much in an older guy, but they have to at least give him a call.