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NFL free agency 2022: Best cornerbacks available

By Ethan Lee

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Stephon Gilmore #9 of the Carolina Panthers catches a pass before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Stephon Gilmore #9 of the Carolina Panthers catches a pass before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Cornerbacks Casey Hayward Jr. #29 and Brandon Facyson #35 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate as they run off the field after the team's 35-32 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 09: Cornerbacks Casey Hayward Jr. #29 and Brandon Facyson #35 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate as they run off the field after the team’s 35-32 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

4. Casey Hayward

If your team is interested in picking up a cornerback who has even more experience than Nelson, Casey Hayward is certainly an option who is available this year.

Hayward, a 32-year-old cornerback coming off a season with the Las Vegas Raiders, has been in the NFL for a decade now. He’s been a pretty consistent player in terms of being healthy and available to play and he’s someone who could potentially bring some pretty valuable insight to a team.

Hayward was able to play in and start in all 17 regular season games for the Raiders in 2021-2022. While he only had one pick with the Raiders last season, Hayward has previously demonstrated the ability to get a hold of some passes in the past. In 2016, Hayward pulled down seven interceptions, but he hasn’t been that productive in a few years.

Throughout his career, Hayward has 24 interceptions and 431 tackles. He’s played for three different franchises and has played in 146 different games (while making 112 starts).

While he’s not the athlete he once was, Hayward can still be valuable in coverage and he’s got a lot of experience. Teams with younger defensive backs who could use an experienced presence in their secondary would be wise to consider adding Hayward.

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