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Green Bay Packers: Which free agents re-sign, walk in 2016?

By Freddie Boston

Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) celebrates after sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) in the second half during a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. The Packers won 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) celebrates after sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) in the second half during a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. The Packers won 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) before the game against the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) before the game against the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

CB Casey Hayward

Casey Hayward is a young, talented player who is coming to the end of his rookie contract with the Packers. Outside of one season, he’s stayed healthy and been a solid contributor on defense. Normally, that’s the recipe for an extension with the Packers, but that might not be the case for Hayward.

Hayward believes he can play on the boundary, but almost all of his work comes in the slot with the Packers. For the price it will cost to retain Hayward, would Ted Thompson be better off letting him walk and spending the money elsewhere?

The Packers have plenty of depth at cornerback. Sam Shields is the clear No. 1, but two of last year’s draft picks—Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins—have given fans a lot to be excited about. Young LaDarius Gunter has received a lot of praise, and the versatile Micah Hyde can fill in when needed.

Bringing back Hayward would be a luxury, but not a necessity. You can never have too many talented cornerbacks in the passing league the NFL has become, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Hayward follow in the footsteps of Davon House and find another home for 2016.

Prediction: Walks

Next: Scott Tolzien

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