The Jaguars released veteran cornerback Ronald Darby, per a team annoucement.
Darby signed a two-year, $8.5MM deal with the Jaguars last offseason after an excellent 2023 season in Baltimore. He held opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of 44.2% and a 63.3 passer rating when targeted, but could not replicate those results in Jacksonville. In fact, he surrendered the highest completion percentage and passer rating when targeted of his career, leading the Jaguars to move on from the 31-year-old cornerback this week.
The move saves $2.4MM against the Jaguars’ 2025 salary cap with $2.75MM in dead money. Darby will look for a new team, though his struggles in 2024 may force him to accept a contract close to the veteran minimum.
Before this season, Darby was a solid corner when he could stay healthy. He’s averaged just 11 games per season across his 10-year career, which including starting stints with the Bills, Eagles, Commanders, and Broncos before he arrived in Baltimore. He played slightly more on special teams in the last two years, which could further his chances of earning another opportunity in 2025.
The Jaguars already signed Jourdan Lewis to replace Darby as a starting cornerback alongside Tyson Campbell and Montaric Brown, but the team’s lack of high-end talent in the secondary could leave to heavy investment in the draft.
Welcome back to the Bills (at least as a depth player)