Chargers, Casey Hayward agree on three-year extension
By Matt Pagels
Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Chargers and Hayward have agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract extension, including $20 million in guarantees.
The #Chargers are signing standout CB Casey Hayward to a 3-year extension, source said, worth $36M. He gets $20M fully guaranteed at signing. ?? … LA taking care of its own well-deserved former free agent signing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2018
The Chargers’ official Twitter account confirmed the report. Not many details have been released, but Rapoport noted that Hayward will make $15.75 million in the first year of his new deal. If the deal is for $36 million in total, he will make $12 million annually, making him the 10th-highest paid corner (tied with Lions’ Darius Slay) in that regard, per OverTheCap.com.
Hayward was entering the final year of his original three-year, $15.3 million deal. General manager Tom Telesco basically stole Hayward on the first deal, and he was able to get the 28-year-old cornerback on a solid price for this next deal.
Hayward absolutely deserves the extension. He was signed on to be the No. 2 cornerback alongside 2014 first-round pick Jason Verrett. However, Verrett has been unable to stay healthy, which jolted Hayward into No. 1 duties–and he didn’t disappoint.
As of right now, Hayward is arguably the best cornerback in the league. He was Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked cornerback this past season. He was also named second-team All-Pro by The Associated Press for the second straight year, as well as selected to the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons. He was a big part of the Chargers’ defense finishing third in pass defense in 2017. Hayward has 11 interceptions over the past two seasons, including leading the league in picks in 2016. He’s also played in all 32 games since becoming a Charger in 2016.
Hayward expressed his happiness on Twitter:
Got to thank the @Chargers and the Spanos family for everything as well. Believing in a guy everybody said was a NICKEL guy and giving him a chance to flourish outside. 3 more years and counting. Let’s push for that ring. #Chargers
— Casey Hayward (@show_case29) March 11, 2018