Free Agent Spotlight: Corner, Ronald Darby

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been known for weak pass defense over the recent years, but things are finally looking up in 2020. The Bucs have a good, young nucleus of corners that look like they may be the foundation for the years to come.

But the NFL is always about depth, and with the way passing attacks are dialed up - you can never have too many corners on your team.

Could Ronald Darby find his way into a pewter and red uni?

RONALD DARBY’S CAREER THUS FAR

Not much has changed since we did a free agent spotlight on Darby last year, outside of the fact that he has another year under his belt.

But his 2019 season wasn’t good. At all.

For starters, he missed five games, which now brings his total to 20 missed games over the last three years. The sixth-year pro has never played a full 16 game season in the NFL.

To add insult to injury (literally), 2019 was Darby’s worst season as a pro. Quarterbacks completed 64% of their passes for 705 yards (16.4 yards per completion), six touchdowns, and two interceptions when targeting Darby. The 116.8 quarterback rating was the highest among all Eagles defensive backs in 2019. Pro Football Focus gave him a below-average grade of 45.9, as well.

It seems as if all the injuries are catching up with the former Florida State Seminole. Does he have enough left in the tank to make the most of a one-year prove-it deal?

WHY IT WORKS

Depth. Tampa Bay has two starters on the outside in Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean. A reserve role may help limit Darby’s chances of injury on the field.

BUT....

The Bucs are head-over-heels for their corners. It seems like they would be hard-pressed to bring in anyone with a history such as Darby’s. He wouldn’t start, either, he would be a backup. Is he willing to accept that role after being a starter for his entire career?

WHAT’S THE COST?

Darby cost the Eagles just a little over $5.6 million last year. After another down year with injuries, I’m sure he’ll be cheaper in 2020.

WHAT WE DON’T KNOW

How effective will he be at this point in his career? Have the injuries taken their toll? How much will he cost? Would he be willing to play a backup role?

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

MAKE THE DECISION

What do you think? Should the Bucs make a run at Darby?