Raiders Would Be Wise to Re-Sign Daryl Worley Much Sooner Than Later

The Raiders don’t have a busy spring coming in terms of re-signing current players (Richie Incognito comes to mind), but one starter that Jon Gruden probably shouldn’t sleep on is cornerback Daryl Worley.

Worley hasn’t had his name called on Sundays in a while and at his position that is generally a good thing.

Raider Cody on Twitter

Raiders CB Daryl Worley (last 4 games): – 14 targets – 42% completion percentage – 3 pass break-ups – 21.75 yards allowed per game – 63.9 passer rating allowed We need to lock this guy up long-term. #RaiderNation

On top of his improving play, Worley is also responsible for arguably the most impressive individual defensive effort of the season. It was Worley who single-handedly (literally one hand) turned around the Lions game with one of the most acrobatic interceptions of the year. The play (below) not only turned around the game, but jumpstarted a three-game winning streak that propelled the Raiders into playoff contention.

NFL UK on Twitter

TAKE A BOW Daryl Worley 👏👏👏 Crazy one-handed interception from the @Raiders cornerback 😤 https://t.co/yjsKYyuwwN

Worley is not only the Raiders top-graded cornerback this season, but he has the highest PFF grade of any full-time member of Paul Guenther’s defense. He is still only 24 and has proven to be one of the most durable players on the roster, too. No Raiders defensive player has been on the field for more snaps than Worley this year.

If the Raiders are smart, Worley is a player they will try to extend, maybe even before the end of the season. Cornerback hasn’t been a position of strength in Oakland for years and it is finally starting to feel like the Raiders have a pair of young cornerbacks worth building around.

From a personal standpoint, what makes Worley even more likable is his attitude and approach to the game. After his interception against the Lions, Worley didn’t jaw about his ability or moan about finally getting an opportunity. Instead, he leveled with reporters and brought the truth: “It might have been the best play of my career, honestly,”

Who can’t appreciate a few minutes of humility (the good kind, that is) from a player in today’s game?

When he showed up to the Raiders, Worley in his own words, was in “one of the lowest points” of his life. He seems to have grown as a person and a player in the time since and took the time to thank Gruden for believing in him after the 2018 season.

Hard not to root for a player like that.

Come to your own conclusions on what the Raiders should do between now and next year, but letting Worley slip away after the season would feel like a real disappointment.

twitter: @raidersbeat

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