The San Francisco 49ers had hoped Jason Verrett would give them crucial insurance at slot corner in the postseason, only to see his season ended by yet another injury for the perennially unlucky defensive back.
Now the Niners may be about to turn to one of Verrett's former Chargers teammates to fill the void left by Verrett's torn rotator cuff.
San Francisco worked out two-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro Casey Hayward, per the NFL's transaction wire.
"Losing one of our veterans, we're allowed six veterans on the practice squad, and we like those veterans to be guys who can help us in a pinch," head coach Kyle Shanahan said in a conference call when asked about the workout.
"So losing JV was tough, so we at least got to get another corner in, and we wanted to take a look at some vets since that spot opened up."
Hayward led the NFL in interceptions in 2016, his first of five seasons with the Chargers after playing four with the Green Bay Packers having been drafted in the second round in 2012.
He spent a year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 and played last season with the Atlanta Falcons, his last game coming in a win over the 49ers on October 16, 2022, in which he suffered a shoulder injury.
With vast experience playing the slot and as an outside corner, Hayward would offer both versatility and depth to the 49ers were he to sign with the practice squad.
While it's open for debate how much he has left in the tank at 34, Hayward's presence may allow current backup nickel Isaiah Oliver to focus more on operating as a reserve safety, though the injury problems at that position do appear to be clearing up.
More than anything else, Hayward would provide the 49ers with the option to avoid relying on inexperienced corners like Darrell Luter Jr. and Samuel Womack III if the Niners are hit by injuries in the secondary in the playoffs.
Two-time Super Bowl champion Logan Ryan has already shown the value of making smart veteran depth signings at this time of year with his performances at safety over the last two weeks, and having a player of Hayward's experience and versatility is only likely to be a positive as the 49ers prepare for their final push towards Super Bowl 58.
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