The Washington Redskins agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal Sunday with former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby, giving them a former starter who will compete for a spot on the outside.
After trading away Quinton Dunbar last week to the Seattle Seahawks, the Redskins needed to address the cornerback position. Darby, 26, figures to compete for a starting role, but he’ll have to prove he can stay healthy.
Over the last three seasons with the Eagles, Darby has missed 20 of 48 possible regular-season games because of injury. Most notably, Darby tore his ACL in 2018, sitting out the last seven games. He also ended last year on injured reserve with a hip injury.
But when healthy, Darby has proved to be a serviceable corner. Drafted in 2015, the former second-rounder starred for the Buffalo Bills before he was traded to the Eagles in 2017. That year, he enjoyed his best season as a pro — grabbing a career-high three interceptions while rating as one of the league’s 20 best cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
In 2019, Darby appeared in 11 games and picked off two passes. He also had 11 passes defended.
Coverage-wise, however, Darby struggled last season — giving up 39 receptions on 62 targets for 664 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. By comparison, Dunbar only gave up 29 catches for 344 yards on 52 targets.
Darby also has local ties as the 26-year-old is from Oxon Hill, Maryland.
ESPN first reported the news of Darby’s signing.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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