The Raiders signed cornerback Daryl Worley on Monday afternoon, in a move that adds talent and starting experience to the position group.
Worley also comes with baggage. The Philadelphia Eagles released him on April 15 following an incident near the team facility where he was reportedly arrested on suspicion of DUI and was tased by police after becoming confrontational. He was arrested after being found passed out in a vehicle blocking a highway.
He has been charged with six offenses, including DUI, resisting arrest and weapons charges. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 1.
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The Eagles let Worley go just weeks after acquiring him in trade from Carolina for receiver Torrey Smith.
The 23-year old has been a solid player in two seasons since being selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has 25 starts to his credit, with 152 tackles, three interceptions and 19 passes defensed in 31 games played.
The West Virginia alum – he played with Karl Joseph in the Mountaineers secondary – could feature prominently among the Raiders top three cornerbacks alongside Gareon Conley and Rashaan Melvin.
Leon Hall and Shareece Wright highlight the team’s backup options.
NFL
Worley’s regular-season availability could be in jeopardy. He could face punishment from the NFL in addition to criminal charges. The league could suspend him if found in violation of the league’s substance abuse or personal conduct policies. Time will tell if the league levies punitive action.
This signing should not eliminate the prospect of taking a defensive back high in this NFL draft. Denzel Ward and Minkah Fitzpatrick are considered options at No. 10 overall.