Dolphins agree to deal with CB Marshall

The Dolphins and cornerback Richard Marshall have agreed to a three-year contract.

The deal was confirmed by Marshall himself on his twiter feed.

"Just agreed with the dolphins on a 3 yr deal they made me stay in Miami lol," Marshall tweeted.

Marshall, 27, is a six-year veteran who played five seasons with Carolina and last season with Arizona. In 2011, he started six games, played in 16 and finished with three interceptions and 11 passes defensed.

The details of the deal are not yet available as it is not yet signed.

[Update: A source tells me the contract will be for three years and $15.975 million with $6 million in guaranteed money.]

The Dolphins have been searching for a cornerback that could compete with Sean Smith for a starting job. A likely scenario could be to have the so-called loser of that competition still play as the third corner in nickel and dime packages.

The role of the nickel corner has increased dramatically in recent years as passing has become an NFL staple. Third corners are really starters without getting the pregame introduction. They typcially play up to 60-65 percent of the plays.

Marshall has also spent time at safety. There is a chance he might get a shot at Miami's free safety position. The idea, ultimately, is to improve a secondary and defense that finished 21st in the NFL in percentage of passes intercepted.

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