Dolphins pending free agent cornerback Nolan Carroll is, perhaps, best known for having been the recipient of the knee of Jets strength coach Sal Alosi as he ran down the sideline during a punt return.
The Steelers are allegedly interested in signing Carroll, according to Jason La Canfora, which will no doubt create scores of jokes regarding coaches and sidelines and the like.
Carroll as a cornerback hasn't exactly been stellar throughout his career. Good size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds), and taken with a grain of salt, his pass coverage grade from Pro Football Focus is -4.4, with a 0.4 overall grade.
If Alterraun Verner is the dream, Carroll is likely more of the reality. Whether he'd be considered an upgrade is another matter, but it would confirm whispers around Pittsburgh that Ike Taylor has been offered a lower salary, and his refusal to accept it bring his release.
None of this refutes the seemingly increasing possibility the Steelers are preparing to make a legitimate offer to Verner. In the meantime, Carroll may be considered a far off consolation prize.