NFL rumors: Ex-Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby signs with NFC East rival

The former Eagles cornerback has agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Washington Redskins, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday.

Darby’s departure from Philadelphia was expected after the Eagles traded two draft picks to acquire former Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay during the first week of free agency. While the Eagles brought back Darby’s former cornerback tag-team partner, Jalen Mills, the other member of the duo was forced to look for work elsewhere.

Darby has a big fan in new Redskins coach Ron Rivera, who sang his praises during an October 2018 interview with Eagles media.

“I’ll tell you one of the guys I’ve always been impressed with watching is Ronald Darby. He does a solid job,” Rivera said.

Ronald Darby has agreed to a one-year, $4-million deal with the Redskins, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 29, 2020

Darby is likely to fill the void left by cornerback Quinton Dunbar, who was traded to the Seattle Seahawks last week. His $4 million price tag infers that the Redskins believe he should win a starting job this summer.

That price tag will also help the Eagles capitalize on Darby’s departure. The contract should count toward the compensatory pick formula.

According to Over the Cap, the Eagles are already expected to receive sixth- and seventh-round compensatory picks due to the departures of linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill and running back Jordan Howard, who both signed with the Miami Dolphins during the first week of free agency. The Eagles’ signing of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave canceled out of the high-priced loss of swing tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who signed with the Lions.