JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jaguars have replaced Aaron Colvin with a former first-round pick.
The Jaguars signed cornerback D.J. Hayden to a three-year deal on Thursday. The contract is worth $19 million with $9.5 million in guaranteed money, according to Sirius XM's Adam Caplan.
The University of Houston alum started his NFL career as a first-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2013. His early draft selection came as a surprise at the time, as Hayden suffered a nearly fatal heart injury during his senior season at Houston. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound cornerback was forced to have emergency heart surgery after colliding with a teammate during a practice session.
Hayden, 27, played in Oakland for four seasons. He appeared in 45 games (25 starts) during his time with the Raiders. He missed several games as a rookie due to a groin injury. During his final season in Oakland, Hayden was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
The cornerback signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions last offseason. Hayden was able to stay healthy, playing in all 16 games for only the second time in his NFL career.
While Hayden is considered a draft bust, he has established his value as a role player. Last season, he produced 44 tackles and nine pass breakups from the nickel position. Throughout his five-year career, Hayden has produced 223 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 35 pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
Hayden will man the slot for the Jaguars, as the team hopes he can replicate or improve upon Colvin's work from last season. Hayden will be flanked by two All-Pro cornerbacks, Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, which should make his job a bit harder than it was in Detroit.
With Ramsey and Bouye shutting down the majority of their assignments, opposing quarterbacks will be quick to target Hayden in coverage. The former first-round pick will need to limit the yardage he gives up against opposing tight ends and slot receivers.
Colvin allowed just seven yards per reception from the nickel spot last season. Hayden will be asked to prevent big plays in his place.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.