Donovin Darius was released by the Jaguars yesterday. This apparently came as a shock to the veteran safety. According to Len Pasquarelli

Still recovering from the broken right ankle that he sustained in December, his second major injury in two years, Darius isn't quite ready yet to return to the field. But the man who was the face of the Jaguars' defense for a lot of years is on track to be ready for training camp, and should have multiple teams inquiring about him, if he is healthy.

Darius was always a liability in coverage, but was a solid tackler and a good force against the run. There almost certainly will be some team with a need for a guy like Darius, on the field, and in its locker room.

Now, obviously, when your team has two safeties like Glen Earl and C.C. Brown, the cutting of any big name safety is going to pique some interest. In fact, no sooner had Darius been given his pink slip than Scott opined about the need for the Texans to sign the man. (There is also some good discussion in the comments over there regarding Darius's role and cost.)

Len's comment that Darius "was always a liability in coverage" is no hyperbole; the guy could always hit like a truck, but couldn't defend Stephen Hawking rolling uphill in the snow. That said, I do think DD could play a role in this defense in certain packages at the very minimum. I also don't know that I can say he'd be any worse in coverage than the existing tandem; I mean, hell, Kubiak is trying out Dexter McCleon at safety. If Darius is healthy (a rather large "if" at this moment), he could step in and compete for the starting job, deficiencies be darned. (He could also mentor Brandon Harrison and--if he makes the team--Brandon Mitchell.)

Now, certainly, all of this discussion comes with three conditions. First, as mentioned, that Darius is at some point in the near future healthy enough to pass a physical. Second, that he come into camp knowing that he is competing for the starting job and not being handed it outright. Third, that he sign for a reasonable amount of guaranteed money, which is to say that he allows himself to be paid what he is actually worth. But, if all of these conditions are met, I think he'd make a solid addition to a secondary that is looking for a little swagger and more than a little talent.

Labels: Donovin Darius, Preview, Secondary issues are primary

Posted by matt on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 1:35 PM | Permalink