Falcons sign two-time Pro Bowl CB Casey Hayward to two-year, $11 million contract

With much of the "Dirty Birds" keeping their eyes peeled on NFL news and whether or not Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans will be their next quarterback, many understandably were jumping to conclusions from Pitts' tweet. Once NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Falcons made a different significant offseason acquisition though, Pitts was quick to respond.

A native of Perry, Ga., Hayward will be entering his 11th NFL season in 2022. Hayward was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft and spent the first four years of his career in Wisconsin.

The 32-year-old racked up 53 tackles, 20 passes defended and six interceptions during his rookie year but was limited to three games in 2013 due to injuries. Hayward returned strong in 2014 and recorded three interceptions — including a pick-six — as well as a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

During his final season with the Packers, Hayward posted a career-high 65 tackles, as well as seven passes defended, before signing a three-year, $15.3 million contract with the then-San Diego Chargers in the offseason. Hayward stayed with the Chargers for five seasons, making two Pro Bowls and registering an NFL-leading seven interceptions in 2016.

He signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2021 and started all 17 regular-season games for the club — plus one postseason contest. He finished the year with 46 tackles, nine passes defended and one interception.