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Chargers, CB Hayward agree to three-year extension

The Los Angeles Chargers and two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Casey Hayward agreed to a three-year, $36 million extension with $20 million fully guaranteed Sunday.

Both figures would rank on the edge of the top 10 among cornerback contracts around the league.

Hayward tweeted Sunday: "Got to thank the @Chargers and the Spanos family for everything as well. Believing in a guy everybody said was a NICKEL guy and giving him a chance to flourish outside. 3 more years and counting. Let's push for that ring. #Chargers"

Hayward, 28, joined the Chargers in March 2016 on a three-year, $15.3 million deal and has thrived since, leading the NFL in interceptions (seven) in 2016 and earning second-team All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl selections in both seasons.

A second-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2012, Hayward intercepted six passes as a rookie and now has 20 through six NFL seasons, including two that were returned for touchdowns. He also has 77 passes defensed and 264 tackles in 83 career games (50 starts).

Hayward was set to count just over $5 million against the cap in 2018, the final year of his previous contract. He will now be locked up through the 2021 season.

The Chargers' other starting cornerback, 2014 first-rounder Jason Verrett, is headed into the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. Verrett is set to count more than $8.5 million against the cap in 2018 after missing all but five games over the past two seasons due to knee injuries.

--Field Level Media