4 former Packers who still need a team for the 2022 season

Casey Hayward, CB

If the Packers are unable to agree a long-term extension with Rasul Douglas, one player they should consider bringing back is cornerback Casey Hayward. Not re-signing Hayward in 2016 proved to be a huge mistake as he would become a two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Between 2016 and 2017, Hayward had a combined 42 pass defenses and 11 interceptions. The Packers, meanwhile, struggled at the cornerback position.

Hayward signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders last year and put together an excellent 2021 season. Starting in all 17 games, Hayward made nine pass defenses and one interception.

According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed “only 30 completions across 712 coverage snaps” last season.

Hayward offers the versatility to play both outside and in the slot. Alongside Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, the Packers would have a dominant trio of starting cornerbacks.

Hayward turns 33 in September, so there would be some risk to bringing him back, but he showed last season that he can still play. And this Packers team have committed to winning now by signing Aaron Rodgers to a huge new deal, franchise-tagging Davante Adams, and re-signing De’Vondre Campbell.

Hayward could help the Packers’ secondary become even stronger next season.