3. Ronald Darby, cornerback
Cornerbacks are at a premium in today’s NFL. They play one of the most valuable positions in the league, and good help is hard to find. On that note, it might be surprising to see the Denver Broncos let Ronald Darby go in 2023.
On the other hand, his cap hit of $13 million is something the team will have to consider with a possibility of $10 million in savings if he is cut or traded in the offseason. And even though Darby is coming off of a torn ACL in 2022, I think teams would very likely be willing to send a draft pick the Broncos’ way in hopes that he could start for them in 2023 at the low price of $9.5 million in base salary.
Considering the market value of corners today, that’s a relative bargain for Darby, who has been very good for the Broncos when he’s been able to stay on the field.
Unfortunately, injuries have really derailed his NFL career and prevented him from being recognized for what he is, which is a really good corner capable of elevating just about any defense.
The reason the Broncos may be able to confidently take those $10 million in savings? The emergence of rookie Damarri Mathis. Mathis, a fourth-round pick out of Pitt, was sensational in 2022 after Darby went down with an injury and looks like a long-term starter in Denver.