The Chiefs will meet with free agent cornerback Ronald Darby tonight, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who adds Darby could sign this evening if the visit goes well.
Darby was arguably top free agent corner available when the legal tampering opened on Monday, and he’s now without question the best CB remaining on the market. Cornerback contracts haven’t gotten out of hand this offseason, but that’s largely due to an uninspiring crop of available options.
Still only 25 years old, it’s possible Darby is searching for a long-term pact. But it’s also just as likely that he’s looking for one-year, pillow deal after he missed half of last season with a torn ACL. Health has actually been a question in each of the past two years, as Darby has only appeared in 17 games since 2017.
When has been on the field, however, Darby has been effective. In his limited work last season, for example, Darby finished 11th in Football Outsiders’ success rate, meaning he was excellent at stopping opposing receivers short of the sticks. Pro Football Focus graded Darby as the league’s 39th-best corner, squarely within the top 25% of the league.
Kansas City’s pass defense improved as the 2018 season progressed and ultimately finished 12th in DVOA, but there’s no question the club needs cornerback help. The Chiefs already lost Steven Nelson to the Steelers earlier this week, while Orlando Scandrick is also a free agent. KC’s cornerback depth chart is currently topped by Kendall Fuller and Charvarius Ward.
Philly should find a way to bring him back.