Former Florida State Standout, National Champion released by Denver Broncos

The former Seminole has suddenly become a free agent after an injury-riddled 2022 campaign.

The NFL is progressing toward the beginning of the new league year on March 15. That means players around the league are becoming salary cap casualties as teams try to free up space for the upcoming free agency period.

READ MORE: Florida State Spring Camp Observations: Seminoles put together physical practice in full pads to end off first week

On Friday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Denver Broncos were releasing former Florida State standout Ronald Darby, who had a $12.7 million cap hit for the 2023 season. The Broncos will save north of $9.6 million by moving on from Darby.

The Maryland native signed a three-year/$30 million deal with Denver in 2021. Since then, he's been limited to 16 games over the last two seasons, including missing the final 12 games of 2022 after tearing his ACL in October.

Source: The #Broncos are releasing CB Ronald Darby, who had a $12.7M cap hit.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2023

Darby suddenly becomes a free agent for the fourth time during his professional career. He ends his time with the Broncos after totaling 67 tackles, one tackle for loss, nine pass deflections, and a forced fumble in 16 starts.

This isn't necessarily an unfamiliar scenario for Darby. He rehabbed from a previous ACL injury that he suffered in 2018 when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles. Darby won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles.

The veteran cornerback has spent time with Denver, Washington, Philadelphia and Buffalo over his eight years in the league. Darby was originally selected by the Bills in the second round of the 2015 draft. He has totaled 373 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 90 pass deflections, and 8 interceptions in 89 career appearances (88 starts).

Prior to playing in the NFL, Darby starred for three years at Florida State. He appeared in 42 games with 23 starts, recording 78 tackles, 16 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. Darby notched a career-high seven tackles and a pass breakup in the Seminoles' win over No. 5 Notre Dame in 2014.

At Florida State, Darby was named the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2012 and won a national championship the following year.

READ MORE: FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford makes a strong case for the Seminoles to leave the ACC

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 offseason

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook