Jaguars should go after free agent cornerback Ronald Darby
It’s easily the Jaguars biggest need too.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have several needs heading into the 2023 season, and as things currently stand, they haven't fixed much of them yet.
In fact, the Jaguars haven't done much of anything yet in free agency besides losing players and re-signing players. So, one of their biggest needs still hasn't been fixed, or even looked at, as far as we know.
The Jaguars need defensive back help, mostly at the cornerback position, and there are still some cheap options out there in the free agency market that could help their defense in 2023.
One of the guys they should look into if the price fits is cornerback Ronald Darby.
Darby was a part of the Broncos' stifling defense last season but was cut this offseason to relieve Denver of some cap space. So, it may be fair to say the Jaguars could get him for cheaper than his previous $10 million APY, per Over the Cap.
Darby tore his ACL last season against the Colts in October. I’m sure the Jaguars could get him for semi-cheap barring the circumstances. Recovering from an ACL injury usually takes anywhere from 6-9 months. Around the start of training camp would be almost 10 months since the injury, so I don’t think the Jaguars would be waiting during the season for him to join them.
He has torn his ACL before in Philadelphia, and came back playing at a decent level. I think he can still be good even after the injury.
Darby has been in the league for eight seasons now, so he is a seasoned veteran, which never hurts to add to a young secondary.
He played with Denver the last two seasons, where he appeared in 16 total games. He has eight career interceptions and 90 career pass deflections.
Per Pro Football Focus, Darby finished 2022 with an 85-run defense-grade, and a 66.3 coverage grade, averaging out at an overall grade of 71.1. Of the 20 times he was targeted, he allowed just 10 catches with an average depth of target of 9.7.
He wasn't terrible when he did play, which was him battling through injuries. As things currently stand, Tyson Campbell, Darius Williams, Chris Claybrooks, Montaric Brown, and Gregory Junior are the only cornerbacks under contract.
The Jaguars need some help, and I think everything they need could help get fixed with the addition of Darby.
