Rams Sign Defensive End Darby From Colts

The Rams on Friday announced the signing of defensive end Byron Darby, left unprotected by the Indianapolis Colts. Darby, a seven-year veteran from USC, had 23 tackles and two sacks for the Colts last season. Darby, 28, becomes the second unprotected player signed by the Rams, joining former Phoenix outside linebacker Wayne Davis.

The Rams have lost five of the 19 players they left unprotected under the National Football League’s new system of limited free agency, defensive linemen Gary Jeter, Greg Meisner and Fred Stokes, tight end Jon Embree and running back Keith Jones. Veteran safety Johnnie Johnson is strongly considering an offer from the Seattle Seahawks.

Unprotected players have until April 1 to negotiate deals with other NFL teams, after which a player’s rights are retained by his current franchise.