Niner Noise
FanSided

Ranking the 5 best NFL free agency signings in 2018

By Aaron Tan

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins #88 of the New York Jets attempts to make a catch against cornerback James Bradberry #24 of the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The play was originally called a touchdown, but was reviewed, ruled as an incomplete pass and reversed. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins #88 of the New York Jets attempts to make a catch against cornerback James Bradberry #24 of the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The play was originally called a touchdown, but was reviewed, ruled as an incomplete pass and reversed. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 22: Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 22: Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Cornerback Casey Hayward

The No. 1 free-agent signing on my list isn’t a signing. It’s a re-signing.

The Los Angeles Chargers made the best free agency transaction in 2016 by snagging cornerback Casey Hayward, who was let go by the Green Bay Packers. Nobody really seemed to notice this signing, as Hayward struggled in coordinatorDom Capers’ defense in Green Bay.

Struggle is the opposite of what Hayward did in 2017 with Los Angeles, earning a staggering 96.4 grade by Pro Football Focus, ranking him as the de facto No. 1 cornerback as the league.

The Chargers now have Hayward locked up through 2021, where he can lock down opposing No. 1 receivers for years to come for L.A.

Next: The 49ers should re-sign Eric Reid

The Chargers, like the 49ers, are a team on the come-up that has a very real chance to reach the Super Bowl.

Extending Hayward just might help them win it.