Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll earned a starting gig on the outside of Billy Davis' defense last year, seemingly as much because of the lack of established talent the team had at the position as because Carroll deserved to be starting. That being said, Carroll played very well in spot duty for the Eagles in 2014 and looked like a guy enjoying something of a late-career ascension. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old Carroll suffered an injury during a game (more of a "shellacking") against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving and missed the remainder of the season. Considering Carroll was playing out the final year of a two-year, $3.65 million deal in 2015 and the decision-makers that brought him to Philly were jettisoned this offseason, it seemed unlikely that he'd return to the Eagles.
But Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com reported Wednesday that the Eagles and Carroll have already held "preliminary" contract talks. Of course, that doesn't mean anything and Carroll could very well be headed for NFL free agency, but it at least indicates some level of interest on the part of Doug Pederson's (Howie Roseman's) Eagles in keeping the former special teams maven around.
Carroll, a former fifth-round pick by the Miami Dolphins, spent the first four seasons of his career on South Beach. Last season for the Eagles, Carroll had collected a career-high 57 tackles and had already nabbed 2 interceptions when he went down with an injury. He wasn't lights out by any means, but he was playing well.
Unfortunately, rookie corner Eric Rowe took is place in the lineup and though he was abused by Calvin Johnson on Turkey Day, actually wound up playing fairly well. So were Carroll to come back, he wouldn't be assured a starting gig, something he likely feels he has rightfully earned at this point.
If the Eagles could re-sign him, it would be a big move for the team's depth at a position that has long been devoid of elite talent. JaCorey Sheperd's return to health combined with Carroll's potential return could give Philly a quality corner group.
But Carroll may not be willing to come cheap or accept a back-up role, so it's likely, as Shorr-Parks suggests, that he'll at least test the free agent waters.
