Dealing For Darby
April 4th, 2018
Ronald Darby is a name that makes a lot of Buccaneers fans cringe, but so are Vernon Hargreaves and Ryan Smith.
So fresh chatter out of Philadelphia is a worth a couple of minutes of attention.
Like most Super Bowl winners, the Eagles have salary cap concerns. It’s a primary reason two of their contributing defensive linemen, Beau Allen and Vinny Curry, landed with the Bucs last month.
And the Eagles may not be finished making strategic moves that are much more about cash than performance.
Philly starting cornerback Darby is a strong player entering a contract year. The 24-year-old former Bills second-round pick will be paid big-time next season if he continues on his current path. The outside cornerback would be an instant upgrade outside in Tampa from Hargreaves and Smith.
There’s various chatter in Philly that Darby could be part of a draft-day or post-draft trade. Philly Voice beat writer Jimmy Kempski addressed Darby’s uncertain Eagles future this week. Here’s a snippet:
Anyway, as for why Darby is the most likely of the Eagles’ corners to be dealt, if any, it’s really a matter of their contracts. You know how the Eagles didn’t have a lot of money to spend this offseason, and had to make a few moves to get under the cap before the new league year began? Well, they’re going to be very tight up against the cap next year, too.
The Eagles have the second-most amount of money in the NFL committed toward their 2019 cap, behind only the Jaguars, and there is about $20 million gap between Philly and the team with the third-most committed money.
Darby is in the final year of his contract, while the rest of the Eagles’ corners have at least two years remaining on their deals. He is going to be very difficult for the team to afford next offseason. Rather than let Darby walk next offseason for nothing more than the possibility of a 2020 comp pick, if the Eagles can get, say, a third-round pick for him now, that would make a lot of sense.
And now for the naughty element, Darby has a habit of being with America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, when Jameis is accused of deviant acts. (Joe doesn’t feel compelled to type them up here). The two were teammates and friends at Florida State University, and it seems they’ve remained close.
The wiseguys might say it would be good to have Darby in Tampa, since he’s saved Jameis by being a witness to Jameis’ innocence and with Darby around Jameis is less likely to be in trouble. The haters might say Darby is pure trouble and a guy you want far away from your starting QB.
Those who care only about football probably see Darby as a fantastic injection into a secondary that needs a player just like him.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:01 am
The last paragraph is for me. Bring his @$$ home
April 4th, 2018 at 10:04 am
No. Anybody think this is a good idea?
April 4th, 2018 at 10:05 am
Hell yea we could use Darby. He has already proved himself to be a solid NFL CB.
We don’t have a 3rd rounder – but that 2nd pick in the 4th rd is damn close.
1st rd – Nelson
2nd rd – BPA at RB in a strong class
3rd rd – JPP
4th rd – Darby
Yea I think I could live with that usage of this years high draft picks…
April 4th, 2018 at 10:05 am
I would take Darby quick,he would fit in mice with this defense and if the bucs pick a cornerback in the draft they can let him learn behind the vets for a year instead of rushing the kid.im thinking a 3rd round pick next year or maybe steal him for a 4th??
April 4th, 2018 at 10:06 am
Count me in the group Joe that sees “Darby as a fantastic injection into a secondary that needs a player just like him.” Dude is 5’11”, 195 lbs and ran a 4.38 sec 40 at his combine. Proven commodity … Go for it, although I personallyl doubt Philly will trade him.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:07 am
I would like to see the Bucs make a move to try to acquire Adoree’ Jackson from the Titans. Something about him is very intriguing to me!
April 4th, 2018 at 10:12 am
Well, let’s not go all Rams without thinking bout the consequences. The Bucs have already spent most of the CAP money and trading draft picks for a one year fix might not be the best way to go. Many fans refuse to care but next season the reality of having to sign or wanting to sign Jameis, Kwon, Marpet and Smith is going to seriously affect the space left to sign other players. That would definitely include Darby who would be looking for a big contract in 2019 as well.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:12 am
Bucs would have likely selected Adoree Jackson last year if Robinson had picked OJ Howard like he should have.
Titans are not getting rid of Jackson but Robinson will definitely regret that decision at some point IMO.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:18 am
Vernon Hargreaves and our 5th rounder
April 4th, 2018 at 10:19 am
Bringing in Darby would cut down the number of Winston’s future suspensions as every time he does something wrong or stupid, just call Darby for the instant alibi
April 4th, 2018 at 10:19 am
The opportunity to land a young and proven NFL CB sure sounds like a good idea to at least try to work it out. Who among us didn’t get a little stupid as a kid? He’s going to grow up. Jameis is maturing quite a lot and will probably be a very good influence on Darby. That’s my ‘glass is half-full’ way of seeing this scenario. I could argue against it almost as easily. I just want the Bucs to win.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:21 am
$ is next year’s problem Garv
Coaches are on the hot seat and the fans are ready to throw the team in the Bay if major improvement and results are not seen THIS YEAR.
We are already at (if not beyond) our cap # for 2018 now – but it doesn’t matter. Licht will continue to make moves I believe and find ways to make it work $ wise. Bucs haven’t spent squat for years – so they can afford to max out the $ this year in pursuit of great things for this team now that a solid base of young talent is established.
DJax probably coming off the books next year – McCoy in a couple years probably. Salary cap goes up every year. The $ for next year and beyond can be figured out. This team needs to win NOW and the cost to get there shouldn’t matter.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:22 am
Are we going to be able to afford him next offseason anyway? the way it looks we would just be giving away picks for a one year deal…. No way.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:24 am
Trade McCoy to the Raiders for their #10.
Cap space galore.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:24 am
I live in western New York and I’m a Bucs fan first and a Bills fan second and I will tell you this, Darby would be a fantastic addition to this team! Dude is a ball hawk and has great cover skills.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:24 am
DeSean Jackson for Darby, even up trade.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:26 am
Darby, for next years 3rd since we do not have a 3rd this year, as much as I am not an FSU fan, I wouldn’t mind having him and Derwin james in our secondary (of course that is if Nelson, Chubb or Barkley is off the board). However at some point, maybe next year we go after some of those U players that are going to be coming out next year or Chad Thomas this year if we can get him in the 4th.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:26 am
Pickgrin, you maybe right but it’s hard to question John Robinson as a player evaluator. I personally thought we kept the wrong guy in keeping our GM over John Robinson .i just think the guy is one of the best evaluators that I have seen even though he was fairly unheard of a few years ago.time will tell how good he is as a GM but I think we all can agree John Robinson can evaluate talent.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:28 am
@ Jolly Bucs,
you likely have Desean Jackson and Brent Grimes coming off the Bucs and I would bet that GMC would restructure if he felt the team was that close to keep a good defense together
April 4th, 2018 at 10:28 am
With Jameis, about to become a father, I would like to believe that he would think twice before doing something he’s not suppose to be doing. As for Darby, he may follow suit as a godfather! Something about being a first time father, in most men, brings out the maturity in you.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:30 am
Not sure on this.
Jameis has to be passed these questionable off field occurrences now that he will be a father for first time. It should change him.
Darby would be happy to come to Tampa I am sure. Jameis is his boy. I guess it’s possible short term answer if they are unable to address corner in draft with higher pick in early rounds. Can’t expect 4th rounder to be a starter like joe thinks Ryan smith should be a star by now and continues to blame coaching.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:33 am
Ankle. Concussion. Hamstring.
It seems Darby always has reasons to miss games. He missed half of last year with a dislocated ankle.
I have no doubt the Eagles would deal him…the question is whether he is worth it…and he isn’t.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:33 am
The only reason I don’t like deals like this is that if for some reason Darby doesn’t work out; we likely lost a very valuable pick on a 1 year rental; because he’d be walking as a FA without a contract extension.
I’d rather just see if he hits FA or wait till the price is more desperate. Or if we do trade for him extend him early to something reasonable; but our cap has shrunk considerably.
There’s a lot of good CBs in this draft that can be had in R2-R3 range. Would rather trade down and have a guy on a cheap contract for 4 years. We need to rebuild this defense through the draft still and not all band-aids.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:35 am
Basically I’d do this for a 5th right now and nothing higher than that.
Our 4th rounder might as well be a 3rd since it’s so high
April 4th, 2018 at 10:36 am
Pass
April 4th, 2018 at 10:36 am
People around here are so desperate for a CB that they’ll sign anyone…why not? After all, even though they want him, the would not hesitate to blame Licht at the first sign of trouble.
Darby is not proven anyway. He can play the position. That’s his job. But he is not great at it.
And besides, we cannot pay the price anyway.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:41 am
Lord Cornelius, you don’t make the deal unless you do a contract and you more than likely will not get a starter like Darby for a 5th rounder.i think it would take a 3 year contract and a 3rd round pick to snag him.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:41 am
Darby is not a cap problem for the Eagles at a salary of $1,058,139.
I absolutely don’t like the idea of trading another draft pick unless it is a 6th or 7th…..
There should be plenty of affordable CBs available without giving up a pick.
April 4th, 2018 at 10:45 am
Buccaneers bonzai, Darby isn’t proven?he started for the world champions and he also started for the bills.you can question his durability but to say he is unproven simply is not true.
April 4th, 2018 at 11:11 am
While he does seem like an upgrade over VH3 and Ryan Smith at the moment, he’s had some health issues already. Plus, he always seems to be around these suspicious situations with Jameis.
I find it very hard to believe that anyone could possibly think he would be a positive presence around Jameis. Sorry.
April 4th, 2018 at 11:12 am
Bucs NEED those first 3 picks to build. Trade yes, give up one of their first three picks, no.
April 4th, 2018 at 11:13 am
Eric,
Send McCoy to the raiders for there third…
Draft Vea @ #7 or maybe a little lower..
Pick up the third from McCoy to Raiders and have a better younger interior D-lineman…
April 4th, 2018 at 11:22 am
I don’t care about off-season antics that don’t involve drugs or the law. Ronald Darby is not guilty by association, Winston just had a kid Darby has no red flags so this is not Florida State, bring it Jason Licht. It’s time to get to a point where your not drafting day one starters.
April 4th, 2018 at 11:34 am
BUCn enough,why would you want a guy with no pass rushing moves and who would be good for 20 plays a game in the Tampa heat in vita vea?also,he won’t be over powering anyone in the NFL and his stats are far from overwhelming. You guys act like he is the next Jerome Brown or Warren Sapp when he doesn’t have 1 pass rush move and was blocked 1on1 all day long in the Penn state game.our defense requires a dt that can pressure the qb and vita vea can’t do that!
April 4th, 2018 at 11:41 am
You do not trade McCoy for the prospect of drafting Vita Vea, unless you are changing your scheme, you assume you are getting a better player, but you do not know, let’s see how McCoy plays with a defense around him with better players. Drafting Vea to play next to McCoy, that’s another thing.
April 4th, 2018 at 11:42 am
I’ve been saying,a general statement, draft day trades will be making a come back in the NFL….merely an option to be flexible that has been under utilized in recent times
April 4th, 2018 at 11:46 am
Go get him Jason
April 4th, 2018 at 11:52 am
Move gholston to dt fulltime and you have your vita vea, both can play the run but neither has a pass rush move!vita vea needs to be in a 34 base defense not a 43!
April 4th, 2018 at 11:54 am
He’s worth a 4th, and a clause in his contract that he is to behave like Mr. Rogers around Jameis. Not worth a 3rd because of his Jameis risks.
April 4th, 2018 at 12:04 pm
So then with Joe’s assessment about the relationship between Winston and Darby does the risk outweigh the good? That to me is a huge factor that must be considered. Does Winston need the distraction?
April 4th, 2018 at 12:09 pm
dumb idea…
April 4th, 2018 at 12:12 pm
This would be awesome. Grabbing another good player from the good defense of the Super Bowl champs sounds good to me.
April 4th, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Bucs365,bringing in a starting defensive back is a dumb idea when we have Ryan smith,Vernon hargraves,and a soon to be 35 year old Brent grimes?Ok if you say so!
April 4th, 2018 at 12:37 pm
John meeks Says:
April 4th, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Yeah, using a draft pick to trade for a player who will want to be paid next year, when we don’t have cap room anymore… I mean, you only trade for a player in the last year of a contract if you’re certain you can get him re-signed or the compensation you give up is negligible. I’d give up a 7th rounder. I’d rather draft some top end talent in round 1, 2, or 3 and have 4 years on a rookie deal… We’re looking at signing Kwon, Marpet, D, Smith, and possible Jameis to big $$$ long term extensions in the next year. We’re done with big contracts for external talent for a little while.
and here comes the moderation…
April 4th, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Offer Philly both our 6th rounders … or maybe our 5th … or if they’re hardball, our 4th … Darby can really play!
April 4th, 2018 at 12:45 pm
Anyone who understands anything about football and, more importantly, life knows there is an absolute zero chance of this happening.
Zero.
I’m blown away this is even being given credence.
And for consistency’s sake…
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
April 4th, 2018 at 12:47 pm
Competent GMs sign FAs and do not give up draft picks..
Our Forrest Gump gives up high draft picks and overpays
“We were going to cut JPP with his huge salary at camp time but Forrest Gump gave me a 3rd round pick…Dilly Dilly to Licht Beer!”
NY GM David Gettleman
April 4th, 2018 at 4:06 pm
Wow–good article
WE NEED DARBY — HE IS AN EXCELLENT CORNER
we need experienced corners not rookie nubes that get bucified by Mike Smith and his poor defensive back coaches–example: VH3–started confident and ended in a wimper with a “hamstring” inj Dude supposedly good in the slot LOL! No he isnt/wasnt good there either so NO to rookie corners and YES to Darby
Same nonsense with Ryan Smith–dude should of been better but somehow he seemed better than VH3 who kep doing the finger wag when he had nothing to do with play getting broken up still makes me disappointed.
April 4th, 2018 at 5:31 pm
Not necessarily disagreeing with Joe, but if I remember correctly it took a few years before things started to click for Ronde. This is year 3 for Hargreaves we will know soon enough if the pick was a bust.
April 4th, 2018 at 6:12 pm
firethecannons Says:
April 4th, 2018 at 4:06 pm
Okay, this clown has bought the DB coaching nonsense dead-horse-beaten Ridiculousness.
Also, it’s “should have” or “should’ve”, not “should of”…
And finally… Try punctuation. It works wonders.
April 4th, 2018 at 6:29 pm
I think Darby was present with Jameis when the alleged rape occurred. He was also present for the Uber incident.
Bringing Darby here might cause more unwanted media attention the two of them.