Atlanta Falcons finally make a move signing veteran corner

The Atlanta Falcons finally made their first big move in free agency signing veteran corner Casey Hayward. It is a much-needed addition to a secondary that was incredibly unreliable outside of standout corner A.J. Terrell.

Hayward is coming off of a season with the Raiders that saw him start all 17-games in what was a solid season with the Raiders. For Atlanta, this is a much-needed move and gives Terrell help in a secondary that still needs help at safety.

This is Atlanta’s first impact addition of the off-season as they continue to wait for Deshaun Watson to make his decision. Regardless of who the quarterback is for Atlanta Hayward is a great addition on a very affordable deal.

Two years and $11-million for a veteran as talented as Hayward is a great team-friendly contract and proof Atlanta is still shopping in the bargain aisles. Casey has 24-career interceptions including a league-leading 7-picks in 2016 with the Chargers.

From Atlanta’s perspective, this is an obvious upgrade and a winning move bringing in a veteran to line up opposite emerging star A.J. Terrell. Hayward’s previous career was spent with the Chargers, Raiders, and Packers with his best seasons coming with the Chargers.

This is unlikely to be the last big move Atlanta makes in the secondary whether it is drafting a corner or signing safety help Atlanta needs to continue to address one of their weaker position groups.

Hayward is a step in the right direction and an indication that the Atlanta Falcons want to win now. Despite Tom Brady’s return and the impending Deshaun Watson trade, the Atlanta front office appears to be attempting a soft rebuild bringing in key veterans while drafting and developing their own talent. It is an interesting approach made all the more confusing by their interest in the aforementioned Watson. More to come as a confusing Atlanta off-season continues to unfold.