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The Philadelphia Eagles have had a busy day, starting it by trading for running back Darren Sproles from the New Orleans Saints. They also added a cornerback in free agency, signing former Miami Dolphins starter Nolan Carroll, who was also on the free agency boards of the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns.
Carroll started 12 of 16 games for the Dolphins in 2013, replacing the oft-injured Dimitri Patterson as the second cornerback behind Brent Grimes. He recorded 47 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions on the year.
Dolphins fans often found themselves frustrated by Carroll, who came to the club as a fifth-round NFL Draft pick in 2010. He has always had flashes of the potential that eventually led him into the starting lineup, but he was very rough and would get beat at the worst possible time. Over the past year, Carroll has played really well, but would still, occasionally, get beat, reigniting the fans' frustration with him.
Miami reportedly wanted Carroll back with the team in 2014, but they were not willing to break the bank for him, and did not necessarily consider him a starter. The team drafted Jamar Taylor in the second round of last year's Draft, then doubled down by adding Will Davis in the third round. Both players were limited by injury throughout most of the season, but it seems the coaching staff is prepared to let one of the two serve as the starter opposite Brent Grimes.
The Dolphins could also look to the free agency market to add another cornerback, including possibly returning Patterson, who was cut to save $5 million against the salary cap, or add another young player through the Draft.