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Green Bay Packers: Ten ways Packers can have perfect offseason

By Freddie Boston

Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) practices before the game against the Green Bay Packers for a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) practices before the game against the Green Bay Packers for a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Re-sign Casey Hayward

At the end of the season, I was happy to let Casey Hayward walk if the price tag is driven too high. And while the Packers certainly shouldn’t overpay for his services, bringing him back would be huge.

Hayward isn’t a star, but he’s a talented player at a premium position. In the NFL, you need good cornerbacks and plenty of them. With the Packers using so many nickel packages, Hayward is effectively a starter. He started 11 games in 2015.

Sam Shields and Damarious Randall are the two starters outside currently, and Quinten Rollins is a rising star, but keeping Hayward in there gives the Packers much-needed depth and experience at the position. We saw with the receivers and offensive line just how quickly injuries can expose a lack of depth. And Shields has had his fair share of injuries in recent years.

Ultimately it will come down to how much money Hayward is seeking. It may be well out of the Packers’ valuation, in which case they should wish him well and move on. But bringing back one of the best slot corners in the NFL would ensure the secondary remains intact and is loaded with talent ready for 2016.

Next: No. 7

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