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Cowboys show interest in free agent cornerbacks

By Steven Mullenax

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s being reported that the Dallas Cowboys had some interest in Green Bay Packers free agent cornerback Casey Hayward before he signed with the Chargers.

Editor’s Note: After this story was written and published, it was announced Casey Hayward had signed a 3-year, $15.3 million contract with the San Diego Chargers. Despite the news, I believe the article is still relevant as it shows the team has interest in signing a cornerback in free agency and how that could change their roster and draft strategy.

Since the start of free agency last week, the Dallas Cowboys have been relatively quiet as compared to their NFC East counterparts. Although they secured a number of their own free agents, the only true addition the team made to their roster was former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Cedric Thornton.

But Dallas did meet with two other free agents last week, and have one more visit on the books. The Cowboys hosted former Miami Dolphins back-up quarterback Matt Moore and Philly cornerback Nolan Carroll. Both left Valley Ranch without a deal, although they could certainly circle back to Dallas. The Cowboys are also scheduled to get a visit from former St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long next week.

Now, a new name has been thrown into the ring. Although an official visit has not yet been scheduled, it’s being reported that the Cowboys do have interest in former Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward.

"“Morris Claiborne will be back. Scandrick returns from an injury. The club had Nolan Carroll in for a visit Thursday. The Cowboys also have some interest in Green Bay cornerback Casey Hayward, although no visit has been scheduled.” – David Moore, Dallas Morning News"

A second round selection out of Vanderbilt in 2012, Hayward had an impressive rookie season in Green Bay recording 53 tackles, 21 pass defends and six interceptions. But a hamstring injury limited the talented corner to only three games the following season.

Playing at nickel back for his first three years in the NFL, the Packers gave Hayward his first real chance to become a starter on the outside opposite Sam Shields in 2015. Starting in 11 games, the 26-year old recorded a career-high 65 tackles and had seven pass defends. Despite not recording a single interception last season, Pro Football Focus still ranked Hayward as the Packers best cover corner in 2015.

The Cowboys recently re-signed starting cornerback Morris Claiborne to a one-year deal. They are also expected to get veteran corner Orlando Scandrick back healthy after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp last year.

If the Cowboys sign a free agent at the position soon, it could mean the team is prepared to move on from veteran cornerback Brandon Carr, who has two-years left on a five-year, $50.1 million deal he signed as a free agent out of Kansas City back in 2012.

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