Bills Rookie Criticized for Remarks on Josh Allen’s MVP Win….
Before joining the Buffalo Bills during the NFL Draft, defensive tackle Deone Walker made it clear he wasn’t entirely on board with quarterback Josh Allen winning last season’s MVP award.
Allen narrowly claimed the MVP title, edging out Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson in a tight race — even though Jackson earned All-Pro honors at the quarterback position. Speaking during the NFL Scouting Combine, prior to being drafted, Walker voiced his opinion that Jackson deserved the MVP instead.
Walker Believed Lamar Jackson Was the Rightful MVP
While still a prospect from the University of Kentucky, Walker didn’t hesitate when asked about the MVP outcome.
“Lamar,” he answered. “He got robbed.”
The comment resurfaced online after his selection by Buffalo, with some Bills fans reacting critically. Others, however, felt Walker might revise his opinion once he spends time with Allen as a teammate.
Former NFL coach Jay Gruden weighed in on social media, suggesting, “He will change his take when he meets Josh.”
No Bad Blood Between Allen and Jackson
Despite the contentious MVP debate, both quarterbacks have demonstrated mutual respect. Following a close playoff loss to the Bills in the divisional round, Jackson publicly praised Allen, expressing hope he would go on to win either a Super Bowl or the MVP.
“Great players recognize greatness,” Jackson said. “I told him, ‘Man, go win something. MVP or Super Bowl. Do something.’ I want him to be successful.”
Although Allen and the Bills were eliminated by the Kansas City Chiefs the following week in the AFC Championship game, Allen did go on to secure the MVP award.
Walker Poised for Key Role with the Bills
Despite his pre-draft comments, fans may quickly warm up to Walker if he lives up to his potential. Once regarded as a possible first-round pick, the 6-foot-7 defensive tackle slid in the draft due to a back injury that affected his final season of college football.
NFL Films’ Greg Cosell, speaking on One Bills Live, recalled Walker’s high pre-injury standing.
“Last summer, when people were doing mock drafts, he was considered a Top 10 talent,” Cosell noted. “Watching his 2023 tape, I couldn’t agree more — he’s a rare mix of size and athleticism.”
Bills general manager Brandon Beane echoed that sentiment, revealing that Walker’s inconsistent 2024 performance was tied to his lingering back issue.
“I had a great grade on him from his 2023 film,” Beane said. “If he were still that player in 2024, we wouldn’t have had the chance to get him where we did.”
With high expectations for his NFL debut, Walker may have the opportunity to win over Bills fans — and perhaps, align more closely with his new quarterback.
Former Buffalo Bills Draft Pick Ronald Darby Abruptly Retires at 31
As the Buffalo Bills kicked off voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with strong player attendance, including quarterback Josh Allen making an appearance shortly after his wedding to actress Hailee Steinfeld, a surprising development emerged elsewhere in the league.
Former Bills cornerback Ronald Darby, 31, unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NFL, just months after signing a new contract with the Houston Texans.
Darby’s NFL Journey Began in Buffalo
The Bills selected Ronald Darby in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft (No. 50 overall) out of Florida State, where he had been part of the Seminoles’ 2013 national championship team. He was the seventh cornerback taken that year and immediately made an impact in Buffalo.
Starting opposite Stephon Gilmore as a rookie under head coach Rex Ryan, Darby tallied 68 tackles (61 solo), 21 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, earning AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month honors in September. He finished as the runner-up for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, narrowly behind Marcus Peters.
In 2016, Darby followed up with a career-best 69 tackles and 12 passes defended, solidifying himself as a top corner in Buffalo’s secondary.
Surprise Trade to Philadelphia and Super Bowl Win
Darby’s time in Buffalo ended unexpectedly in 2017, after head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier took over. Despite being penciled in as a starter alongside rookie Tre’Davious White, Darby was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. The deal was part of a broader trade involving the Rams and saw the Bills acquire wide receiver Jordan Matthews, corner E.J. Gaines, and future draft picks.
Although he suffered a dislocated ankle early in his Eagles tenure, Darby returned later in the season and played a key role in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots — the franchise’s first championship.
Journeyman Years Across the NFL
After three seasons with the Eagles, Darby went on to play for multiple teams:
- Washington Commanders (2020)
- Denver Broncos (2021–2022)
- Baltimore Ravens (2023)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2024)
In 2024, he appeared in 13 games (12 starts), recording 46 tackles and 9 pass breakups — proving he could still contribute at a high level.
Texans Deal and Sudden Exit
Darby seemed poised to continue his career after signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Houston Texans earlier this offseason. However, on June 2, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Darby informed the Texans of his decision to retire.
Though his retirement came as a surprise, fans and analysts alike praised his decade-long NFL journey.
Buffalo’s News 4 reporter Justin Siejak wrote:
“Shoutout Ronald Darby on a fruitful 10-year career in the league, that’s not easy to do at all. His time in Buffalo was really fun! Salute 🫡.”
A Career to Remember
Darby retires after 10 NFL seasons, with a Super Bowl ring, multiple starting roles across six franchises, and a reputation as a resilient and consistent cornerback. Despite his early exit from the league, his contributions — especially his early years in Buffalo and his championship run with Philadelphia — have left a lasting impression.
