Ravens CB Ronald Darby Shines in Stellar 2023 Season
The Baltimore Ravens faced numerous challenges in their secondary throughout the season, with key players like cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Marcus Williams sidelined due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, the Ravens’ defense remained one of the best in the league, thanks in large part to the exceptional performance of cornerback Ronald Darby.
Darby, who is currently a free agent, has been labeled an “overlooked veteran” by Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine. In his article, Ballentine highlights Darby’s outstanding 2023 season with the Ravens, which seems to have gone unnoticed by many.
According to Ballentine, Darby’s contributions were crucial to the Ravens’ success. He explains, “Darby was sixth in the league in passer rating allowed and had the lowest average target separation (0.9 yards) in the league.” These impressive statistics emphasize the importance of having a strong pass defense in a league where the passing game continues to grow in prominence.
Ballentine goes on to praise Darby’s consistency, stating, “The reality is that Darby has been a solid starter for years. He’s had a few seasons hampered by injuries, but he’s only given up a passer rating of 100.0 or more once in the last six years.” This track record further solidifies Darby’s value as a player.
Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2015 draft, Darby has since played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and Denver Broncos before joining the Ravens on a one-year deal for the 2023 season. His impact on the team was significant, particularly considering the injuries that plagued Humphrey throughout the year.
Pro Football Focus graded Darby at 70.8, ranking him 36th out of 127 corners and making him the top-rated cornerback on the Ravens’ roster. If the Ravens decide to part ways with Humphrey, re-signing Darby on an affordable contract could be a viable option.
In addition to the Ravens, Ballentine suggests that the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions could also benefit from Darby’s experience and skill. As a former runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2015, Darby has proven himself to be a valuable asset to any team in need of a reliable cornerback.
As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see where Darby ultimately ends up. Regardless of which team he joins, there’s no denying his impact on the Ravens and his ability to contribute to a strong defensive unit.
Darby’s Future in NFL Free Agency: Will Age and Injury History Impact His Market?
In the world of NFL free agency, there are always concerns that can impact a player’s market value. This is especially true for players like Darby, who is 30 years old and has had two ACL tears in his career. However, despite these concerns, Darby’s performance this season has not been affected. This could potentially help the Ravens or other teams negotiate a smaller contract for the veteran cornerback.
Darby is known for his elite speed, and he showed no signs of slowing down last season. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to outperform whatever contract he receives, considering his age and injury history. However, the Ravens may face financial constraints, as they currently have only $7.3 million in cap space and numerous free agents to address. Signing Darby as a third or fourth corner may be a luxury they cannot afford.
When comparing the Ravens’ passing defense to that of the NFC North’s Vikings and Lions, it becomes clear that there is room for improvement. The Vikings, in particular, struggled with a passer rating of 95.2 as a team last season. Their young secondary could greatly benefit from the addition of an experienced veteran like Darby. Similarly, the Lions, who ranked 27th in passing yards allowed, should also be interested in bolstering their secondary after falling short in the NFC Championship game.
The Lions had a promising season, competing for a Super Bowl berth before losing to the San Francisco 49ers. However, their defense faltered in the second half, allowing a 27-7 point differential. To avoid a similar outcome in the future, the Lions should focus on improving their defensive unit. Adding a player like Darby could be a step in the right direction.
In conclusion, Darby’s age and injury history may raise concerns among potential suitors in NFL free agency. However, his elite speed and consistent performance suggest that he has the potential to exceed expectations. The Ravens, Vikings, and Lions are all teams that could benefit from Darby’s skills and experience. As free agency approaches, it will be interesting to see which team takes a chance on this talented cornerback.
According to the Source heavy.com