Ronald Darby is the first free agent to depart the Washington Football Team. The cornerback has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal, according Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal includes $19.5 million in guaranteed money.
After three injury-plagued seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Darby, an Oxon Hill, MD native, signed with his hometown team, Washington, on a prove-it deal in 2020. He played in all 16 games for the first time in his career. He stood out as Washington’s most consistent cornerback on the NFL’s second-ranked defense.
Washington was working to strike a deal with Darby ahead of free agency. However, the 27-year old wanted to test free agency seeking a deal similar to Washington teammate Kendall Fuller’s $10 million per year. He ultimately landed such a deal with Denver.
Ronald Darby is expected to upgrade the Broncos’ secondary. Meanwhile, Washington will be forced to either scramble for an alternate to pair on the outside opposite of Fuller or look to elevate one of their in-house options, Fabian Moreau or Jimmy Moreland.
