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Report: Former WFT CB Ronald Darby Agrees to 3-Year, $30M Contract with Broncos
March 15, 2021
The Denver Broncos reportedly reached an agreement with former Washington Football Team cornerback Ronald Darby on a three-year, $30 million contract.
On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the deal—which will become official when the NFL's new league year opens Wednesday—includes $19.5 million in guaranteed money.
Darby signed a one-year contract with Washington last April. He put together a strong 2020 season, recording 55 total tackles and 16 passes defended in 16 games. He didn't record any interceptions, but still received a solid 76 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
The 27-year-old Florida State product spent the previous three years with the Philadelphia Eagles. He struggled with injuries, missing 20 of a possible 48 games, but tallied 32 passes defended and six interceptions.
A second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2015, he compiled 33 passes defended and two picks in 29 appearances for Buffalo.
Now he'll head to Denver, where he'll likely slide right into the starting lineup opposite fellow corner Bryce Callahan. Add in safeties Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson and the Broncos have the pieces to have one of the NFL's best starting secondaries.
Darby isn't a ball hawk with just eight interceptions in 73 career games, but he's still emerged as a reliable cover corner, especially when matched up with an opponent's No. 2 wide receiver.
The Broncos still have more offseason work ahead if they want to improve on their 5-11 record last season. They ranked 23rd in total offense and 21st in total defense during the 2020 campaign.
Adding Darby early in free agency is still a nice step in the right direction, though.