Defensive back Daryl Worley has found a new team just eight days after being arrested and subsequently cut by the Philadelphia Eagles. On Monday, the Oakland Raiders made the announcement that they signed Worley to a contract. The terms of the contract have not yet been disclosed.
Worley was arrested on Saturday, April 15th. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that "Worley was found passed out inside a vehicle blocking a highway." Rapoport also noted that Worley was arrested "when he became combative with police." Worley was tasered in the interaction and a gun was also found at the scene.
Worley is currently facing six charges: DUI, firearms not to be carried without a license, carrying firearms in public, possession of an instrument of crime, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct/engaging in fighting.
Worley, the West Virginia product, had played his first two seasons in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers and was traded to Philadelphia this offseason in a deal that sent wide receiver Torrey Smith to the Panthers. The defending Super Bowl champs Eagles front office traded for the promising young cornerback with high hopes and it has to be disappointing to see him go without playing a game. Worley impressed in his first two seasons playing in 31 games and accounting for 152 combined tackles and three interceptions.
What the loss means for the Eagles
Philadelphia might be going into the 2018 season as the defending Super Bowl champions, but the team struggled all year long on the defensive side of the ball. The Eagles finished 29th in the league in total defense. With a respective ranking of 16th in passing defense, and a dead last ranking of 32nd in rush defense.
Philadelphia needs help on the defensive side of the ball and Worley was looking to be an important added acquisition.
Worley would have been a helpful boost to an improving young secondary, and his prolific tackling tendencies would have been even more important for a run defense that struggled mightily throughout the 2017 season.
What the acquisition means for the Raiders
Jon Gruden and the Raiders have made the cornerback position a priority this offseason, as Worley is the fifth CB the team has added this offseason. The other four are Rashann Melvin, Leon Hall, Shareece Wright and Senquez Golson. A struggling secondary was a large part of the Raider's surprisingly disappointing 6-10 2017 season, after going 12-4 in 2016. The team ranked last in 2017 in both total interceptions and passing defense, and the organization is desperately craving a player of Worley's potential to step up.
Whether or not Worley is even able to play in 2018 is unclear. However, if he is, the Raiders might have just found their defensive playmaker. In his first two seasons, Worley allowed fewer than 1.18 yards per coverage snap and no current cornerback on the Raiders roster has a better coverage rate.
