The Atlanta Falcons have released two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Casey Hayward.
The team announced its decision to drop the veteran defensive back on Friday, just days before next week’s NFL Draft. It’s unclear if Hayward’s departure will affect the team’s draft outlook.
Atlanta has invested in improving its defensive backfield this offseason with the additions of Jeff Okudah Jessie Bates and Mike Hughes.
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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Casey Hayward (29) walks off the field at the end of an NFL preseason game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit on August 12, 2022. (Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Hayward spent an injury-plagued season with the Falcons. He was in the middle of a two-year contract with the club. The 33-year-old would have earned $5 million in 2023, but his salary was not guaranteed.
The Falcons’ decision to release Hayward will create $5 million in cap space and $2 million in dead cap money.
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Hayward has played for four NFL teams in his 11-year career.
He was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played for the Chargers and spent the 2021 season with the Raiders before joining the Falcons in 2022.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Hayward experienced the best years of his career during his five-year career with the Chargers. He was named to back-to-back Pro Bowls during that five-year period.
When Hayward joined the Falcons, he immediately took over the starting cornerback role opposite third-year cornerback AJ Terrell. He started the first six games of the season before injuring a shoulder.
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He remained on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
Atlanta has the No. 8 pick in next week’s draft.