Veteran cornerback Ronald Darby is retiring from the NFL after 10 seasons, forgoing a chance to provide depth at the position for the Houston Texans.
Darby, 31, informed the team of his surprise decision to step away from the game this week after signing a one-year, $2.5 million deal this offseason, multiple outlets reported Monday.
KPRC2's Aaron Wilson reports one source saying it was "totally unexpected" after Darby participated in voluntary organized team activities last week.
Darby played for six teams before signing with the Texans. He was a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills out of Florida State in 2015 and helped the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in the 2017 season, his first there after being traded that offseason.
Darby spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was expected to provide depth as the Texans' third outside corner this season. Now, they could look to versatile rookie Jaylin Smith, who Houston drafted in the third round this year, to help fill that void.
