Raiders sign cornerback Casey Hayward

Well that took longer than we thought ... but the Gus Bradley-Casey Hayward reunion is now happening.

The Las Vegas Raiders are signing the veteran cornerback — cut by the Los Angeles Chargers in March — to add experience to a young cornerback position. It has long made sense that Hayward would come to Las Vegas and join Bradley, the Raiders’ new defensive coordinator. Bradley and Hayward were with the Chargers together for the past four seasons.

Hayward, who will be 32 in September, is entering his 10th NFL season. He started 13 games for the Chargers and had one interceptions in 2020. He has 23 interceptions in nine NFL seasons.

The Raiders had been interested in Hayward for several weeks, but that interest turned into a reality shortly after the draft ended, and the news of his signing was finally made official on Tuesday.

This addition likely means that the Raiders won’t sign veteran cornerback Richard Sherman. There were reports that Las Vegas was one of four teams that was interested in Sherman.

The Raiders have a crowded cornerback room now. Hayward could start if second year player Damon Arnette struggles again, if not, he will be part of the cornerback rotation.