The Dolphins really like cornerback Nolan Carroll.
Miami confirmed this on Sunday when it dealt starting cornerback and former first-round pick Vontae Davis to the Indianapolis Colts for a pair of draft picks. Davis, who had a mediocre training camp and at one point was demoted to No. 2 on the depth chart, had fallen out of favor with the team.
“We appreciate all the contributions Vontae has made to the Dolphins since we drafted him in 2009 and we want to wish him the best of success in Indianapolis,” Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said in a statement.
Despite Davis’ immense talent, he had plenty of baggage that had become too much for the team. Aside from his struggles in camp this month, he had previously been reprimanded for violating team rules and getting into a fight with former teammate Brandon Marshall during practice.
Thank GOD for keeping me in the right direction!!!!!
— Vontae Davis (@VontaeDavis21) August 26, 2012#BLESSED
Carroll had 32 tackles and an interception last season and likely will slide into the starting lineup opposite cornerback Sean Smith. Defensive back Richard Marshall, who signed a free-agent contract this offseason, is regarded as one of the top nickelbacks in the league and an excellent tackler. He likely will split time out wide and in the slot with Carroll.
The Dolphins finished 25th in the league in passing defense last year as the team allowed an average of 250 yards per game through the air. Opponents also threw for 24 touchdowns.
On the mend: Quarterback David Garrard remains optimistic.
The former Pro Bowler held the starting job for just a handful of days before missing the team’s first preseason game against Tampa Bay on Aug. 10 and undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee less than 24 hours later. Garrard likely needs at least two more weeks of recovery, but no specific timeline has been set.
“I’m keeping my spirits up as much as I can but I’m fine,” Garrard told MiamiDolphins.com. “I’m not going to complain. I’m just going to get myself healthy and let the chips lie where they are.”
Garrard hasn’t thrown a pass in an NFL game in 18 months and missed all of last year with a back injury. Due to his contract it could be difficult for the team to keep him on the 53-man roster. The veteran has gone out of his way to help rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but first-year coach Joe Philbin hasn’t made a commitment to how he is going to handle the position.
"He’s a real professional and he’s been in a situation where he’s had to battle for playing time himself and prepare,” Philbin told the website. “I think he’s an excellent teammate, he’s very supportive and he’s a competitor, too. I think he’s been great for that whole room.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.