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Steelers: 4 free agent targets who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans

By Cory Kinnan

Jan 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and center Maurkice Pouncey (53) walk off the field after the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and center Maurkice Pouncey (53) walk off the field after the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steelers target Ronald Darby. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Ronald Darby, CB

Cornerback Ronald Darby needed his 2020 season.

After back-to-back down years with the Philadelphia Eagles, Darby signed for just a one-year deal with the Washington Football Team. He bounced back nicely, looking to hit the market yet again at just the age of 27. Perhaps his best season since his time in Buffalo, Darby racked up 16 passes defended for Washington, playing well opposite Kendall Fuller in 2020.

This is the most ball production Darby has seen in his career since his rookie season with the Bills, as interceptions do not tell the full story for a cornerback. His season grade from Pro Football Focus jumped from a 44 to a whopping 76 as he moved from one NFC East team to another last offseason. Will he be on the move again?

With the aging of Joe Haden, the 2020 struggles of Steven Nelson, and the impending free agency of Mike Hilton, the secondary in Pittsburgh is in massive shambles. Is Darby the perfect answer? No, but he may be less expensive than some of the bigger names on the market, and could fit a need for the Steelers as well. Darby is certainly an upgrade over the current guys on the roster in Pittsburgh at the very least.

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