Houston Texans Veteran DB Ronald Darby Retires After 10 NFL Seasons

Ronald Darby, a veteran NFL cornerback with a decade-long career, has announced his retirement from professional football, informing the Houston Texans of his decision. Darby, who was expected to provide depth to the Texans' secondary after signing a one-year contract, played for multiple teams including the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, where he won Super Bowl LII, Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, and Jacksonville Jaguars. His unexpected retirement leaves the Texans needing to find a replacement behind their young starters Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. Darby finished his career with 447 tackles, eight interceptions, and over 100 pass breakups across 107 starts. The Texans recently signed Stingley to a $90 million extension and also acquired safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, showing their commitment to improving their defense. Houston's front office may turn to available free-agent veterans or promote younger players like rookie Jaylin Smith to fill the vacancy created by Darby's departure.