Source: Dallas Cowboys are releasing Nolan Carroll

According to a source, the Dallas Cowboys are apparently releasing cornerback Nolan Carroll after the free agent was signed in the offseason.

Earlier this year, the Dallas Cowboys had a major problem in their secondary. Some fans will argue their defense has had problems for several years now.

But in this particular situation, the issue was free agency. To be more specific, aging veterans on the team looking one final payday. Coming off a 13-3 season, those players hitting the market were lucky to do so. Their value would likely never be higher.

Instead of retaining some of these veterans, many of whom were underachievers, the Cowboys elected to move on from them. This included three starters from their secondary: safety Barry Church plus cornerbacks Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr.

Although the Cowboys would go on to use the draft to fill some of those spots, Dallas also knew it would have an inexperience issue. So, for a little insurance, the Cowboys signed free agent cornerback Nolan Carroll to a three-year, $10 million contract in March, also giving him a $3 million signing bonus.

But according to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo, the Cowboys are now releasing the 30-year old veteran.

So far this season, Carroll started and played in just two regular season games for the Cowboys before suffering a concussion. Third round rookie cornerback Jourdan Lewis replaced him in the lineup and has looked sensational. This appears to be a case of Carroll getting “Wally Pipped” in Dallas.

The former Philadelphia Eagles corner never seemed to be a right fit with the Cowboys. The veteran struggled this offseason and throughout training camp. But due to injuries, Dallas was forced to start Carroll in Week One.

But Carroll’s horrific play the following week against the Denver Broncos was stopped early by a concussion. The Cowboys would go on to lose that contest, 42-17, but the rookie Lewis would record an interception as his replacement.

Another factor in Carroll’s reported release could be the fact he was arrested for DUI back in May. Although many expected a suspension from the NFL was forthcoming, one has yet to be issued.

Next: 5 changes the Cowboys should consider during the bye

Although it appears the Dallas Cowboys are committing to the youth movement in Dallas by releasing Nolan Carroll, let’s not forget this is a bye week for the team. It’s the perfect time to sign or trade for a player and get them up to speed before their next contest. This latest move by the Cowboys could just be the first.