Cornerback Brian Poole has signed a one-year, $5 million deal to stay with the New York Jets. Poole spent last season with the Jets after starting his career in Atlanta.
The #Jets are re-signing CB Brian Poole on a one-year deal for $5m guaranteed, per @RosenhausSports.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
Brian Poole, New York Jets Agree To New Deal
Despite a solid four-year career at the University of Florida, Brian Poole found himself waiting for a phone call after the 2016 NFL Draft. Poole struck the interest of several teams but signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. His relationship with head coach Dan Quinn (former defensive coordinator at Florida) was the deciding factor.
Poole solidified the third cornerback spot on the team and found himself on the field often in the defensive nickel package during the 2016 season. He recorded 59 tackles, 10 pass breakups, along with an interception. He concluded his rookie year with a start in Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots.
The next two seasons in Atlanta, Poole hit a plateau. Surprisingly, he was not able to build upon his impressive rookie season. His performance on the field was uneventful as a nickel corner in 2017. And despite a solid campaign in 2018, the Falcons were not interested in matching the offer Poole received from the New York Jets. In 47 games with the Falcons, Poole had 19 pass breakups, four interceptions, five sacks, and over 250 tackles.
As a member of the Gang Green defense in New York, Poole was reunited with college teammate Marcus Maye in the defensive backfield. Poole played above his contract (one year, $3.5 million) and was arguably the most consistent player on defense. He provided experience, versatility, and aggression to the young defense. Not only did Poole take a gamble on himself in 2019, but he had his best season.
He finished the season with a grade of 79.0 from Pro Football Focus. This grade was the highest among the Jets defensive backs.
Poole enters his fifth year on an NFL roster. He brings with him a pedigree of durability, versatility, and experience.
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