Silver Minings: Should Raiders take chance on Casey Hayward?

The Raiders are in need up upgrading their defense this offseason. Yesterday, an intriguing name popped up on the open market. The Chargers released cornerback Casey Hayward, who has spent the last four seasons with team.

This is an intriguing option as Hayward spent the last four years with new Raiders’ defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, who came over after time as the defensive coordinator with the Chargers.

Hayward was set to make $11.75 million this season with $2.5 million in dead money, so it made sense as to why LA wanted to part ways with him to shed salary.

The 31 year old appeared in 14 games last year with the Chargers and started 13 of them. He finished the season with 41 tackles, eight pass breakups and one interception. Since making his NFL debut in 2012 he’s racked up 385 tackles with 23 interceptions and 100 pass breakups.

In other Raiders’ links:

• The Raiders cleared up even more salary.
• Expect the Raiders to be major players in free agency.
• What is on the off-season wishlist for the Raiders? The Athletic weighs in.
• Here’s another post from The Athletic as well on what they need.