After polishing off the details of the trade to acquire running back Darrren Sproles from the New Orleans Saints, the Eagles stayed busy Thursday morning by agreeing to terms with cornerback Nolan Carroll, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, on a two-year deal.
"Nolan Carroll brings good experience to our team," said head coach Chip Kelly. "He's been a starter in Miami. He's a good athlete and he'll bring good depth to our cornerback position with Cary (Williams), [Bradley Fletcher] Fletch and Brandon (Boykin). His skill set fits what we are trying to do on defense and special teams."
Carroll, a fifth-round pick of the Dolphins out of Maryland in 2010, has started 26 games at cornerback during his career, including 22 starts over the last two seasons. In 2013, the versatile Carroll started 12 games, recorded three interceptions and 2.0 sacks. He has also been a core special teams performer throughout his career.
"Nolan is a guy we have studied for a while and the thing you see is his size, speed and press ability," said general manager Howie Roseman. "He will add depth to a cornerback group we already feel good about. You can never have enough big, long corners on a football team. He's also a player that has proven to be a productive gunner on special teams. We're excited to add him to our team."
At 6-foot-1, 202, Carroll brings depth to a cornerback position that already features Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher on the outside (both signed during last year's free agency period) and emerging playmaker Brandon Boykin in the slot.
Carroll also returned kickoffs for the Dolphins as a rookie in 2010, averaging 24.3 yards on 27 returns.
Born in Jacksonville, FL, Carroll was raised in a military family, as both of his parents, Nolan, Sr. and Jennifer, served in the Armed Forces. Carroll's father served in the Air Force, where he earned the rank of senior master sergeant. His mother served in the Navy, where she became a lieutenant commander. Mrs. Carroll turned in 20 years of military service and left the Navy with a long list of achievements, which includes a Meritorious Service Medal; two Navy Commendation Medals; two Navy Achievement Medals; a National Defense Service Medal; an Overseas Ribbon; two Coast Guard Special Operation Ribbons; and an Expert Pistol Medal. Adding to her resume, she was Florida's lieutenant governor after spending seven years as a state legislator and also serving as executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
A four-year letterman at Maryland, Carroll appeared in 38 career games for the Terrapins and was one of four team captains and a member of the Terps' leadership council as a senior. After originally entering the program as a wide receiver, Carroll transitioned to cornerback following his redshirt freshman season.
Carroll attended Clay High School in Green Cove Springs, FL, where he was a three-year starter at wide receiver. He also lettered in soccer and track.
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