Cornerback Casey Hayward enjoyed a strong bounce-back season for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. Just a year ago, Hayward wasn't fully healthy and was slapped with the lowest PFF grade of his career. The veteran corner was released by the Los Angeles Chargers, only to be picked up by the division-rival Raiders. Hayward went on to enjoy a resurgence in Las Vegas, bouncing back with a strong season in coverage. The Raiders will need to pay up if they want to keep Hayward, who almost certainly won't be taking any prove-it deals during the 2022 NFL free agency period. It's entirely possible that Hayward will be playing for a new team next season. That said, here are the three best landing spots for free agent corner Casey Hayward.

Casey Hayward Free Agency Landing Spots

3. Lions 

The Lions pass defense needs some work. Detroit's defense ranked 23rd against the pass and didn't get as much as they had hoped from rookie corner Jeff Okudah, who suffered a season-ending injury. The Lions have a very young secondary, with the oldest starter being 26-year-old Amani Oruwariye. Not only would the Lions be bringing in an instant starter in Hayward, but they would also be adding a valuable veteran presence to their lineup. Hayward, who was the 13th-ranked corner last season via PFF, would give the Lions a formidable cornerback duo with a healthy Okudah on the other side.

2. Jets 

The Jets might have the worst group of cornerbacks in the league. Not one of New York's four primary corners was drafted ahead of the third round. New York allowed the third-most passing yards per game and was generally an easy target for opposing passing offenses. Not only do the Jets need an infusion of talent at the position but they also need experience. Hayward is a free agency fit for the Jets on both fronts, as he is coming off of an excellent season. Not only that, but the Raiders corner has spent 10 years in the league and has been around the block. His ability and leadership would both be highly valuable to the Jets, who have the cap space to offer Hayward the pay day he desires.

1. Vikings

This is perhaps the best fit of all. However, there is one caveat that must be mentioned. As of this article's publishing, the Vikings simply don't have enough cap space to offer Hayward the contract he'll be seeking. Still, it's worth examining the fit, which is excellent. Two of the Vikings' corners, Bashaud Breeland and Mackensie Alexander, were a couple of the lowest graded coverage corners in the league. As a team, Minnesota ranked 28th in the league in pass defense. That is simply not good enough, especially for a team like the Vikings, who could make a run at the division if Aaron Rodgers departs from Green Bay. If new Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is able to work some cap magic, Hayward needs to be on the Minnesota's wish list. The veteran corner still has the ability to be a number-one corner in the league. The Vikings, who need someone to step up in the cornerback room, should do everything they can to bring in Hayward this offseason.