Yesterday, the Atlanta Falcons released Casey Hayward Jr., a two-time veteran Pro Bowl cornerback. Although no official reasons have been divulged about why he was cut, Hayward, 33, suffered a torn pec last season trying to tackle San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel. ESPN staff writer Michael Rothstein reported that this injury ended Hayward’s season, limiting him to competing in only six games. When he was signed, the team had high hopes that he would help to ameliorate its struggling defense. Unfortunately, the injury prevented him from achieving the expected results.
With this move, some believe that the Falcons are poised to use the $5 million in salary cap space it saves to acquire a talented defensive replacement in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Falcons Released Casey Hayward
Casey Hayward Jr.’s arrival in Atlanta was met with optimism, considering the Falcons desperately needed to improve their defense. The signings of Marcus Mariota, Lorenzo Carter, and Casey Hayward Jr. were thought to assist the Falcons in achieving significant progress, both on offense and defense. However, SB Nation writer Dave Choate disclosed that these acquisitions also eliminated any compensatory draft picks the Falcons might have received for the 2023 season.
Under the guidance of head coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot, the Falcons were expected to undergo a rebuilding phase, hoping to emerge as a stronger team. Hayward was seen as a valuable addition to the defense.
Although the team played its opponents relatively evenly, it still had a negative point margin per game, ranking 17th in the NFL.
Despite the team’s struggles, the decision to release Hayward has been met with surprise and confusion. The veteran cornerback’s skillset and experience were expected to aid the Falcons in enhancing their defense. To justify this move, the team must hire someone of equal or better talent.
Why Release the Two-Time Pro Bowl Cornerback?
One potential reason for Hayward’s release could be the team’s desire to focus on developing younger talent. By parting ways with the veteran cornerback, who will turn 34 on September 9, 2023, the Falcons may be looking to give more opportunities to up-and-coming players, permitting them to gain valuable experience. While this approach may result in short-term growing pains, it could ultimately facilitate a more solid foundation for the future.
Another possibility is that the Falcons may have identified a more suitable replacement for Hayward, either through free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft (as previously mentioned). If that is the case, releasing Hayward affords the team financial leverage: more salary cap money to invest in other areas. This would be a strategic move aimed at optimizing the overall roster and ensuring the team has the right mix of talent and experience to compete at a high level.
Even though Falcons fans and some analysts may not agree with releasing Casey Hayward Jr., the signings of Bud Dupree, Calais Campbell, and Jeff Okudah should offer much reassurance that the team’s leadership is making wise moves to strengthen the team.
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