After making a series of additions on defense through free agency and trades this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons recently also decided to make some subtractions. The team announced earlier this week that they had released veteran cornerback Casey Hayward.
Hayward joined the Falcons ahead of the 2022 NFL season on a two-year, $11 million contract. He only managed to play six games before going down with a torn pec. The 33-year-old player had 17 tackles, three passes defended, and one interception prior to the injury.
Prior to coming to Atlanta, Hayward played with the Green Bay Packers, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Las Vegas Raiders. He is a two-time Pro-Bowler and has led the NFL in interceptions in the 2016 season.
The Falcons’ decision to release Hayward was most likely motivated by salary cap savings. By moving the veteran, the team will save $5 million against the cap.
Hayward’s exit also gives newly-acquired corner Jeff Okudah a clearer path toward being Week 1 starter. Okudah, the third-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, joined in a trade with the Detroit Lions earlier in April.
There is also a possibility that the Falcons will address the cornerback position in the upcoming draft. They have seven picks, including No.8 and No.44 selections, and several analysts predict them taking a corner with one of the early picks.
