NFL veteran cornerback Brian Poole signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. Poole spent time with the Atlanta Falcons before coming into his own with the New York Jets.
Former #Jets slot CB Brian Poole is planning to sign a 1-year deal with the #Saints, per @JosinaAnderson. Poole has registered one of the highest @PFF coverage grades from the slot over the past two seasons. Some added secondary help before veterans report to camp.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 25, 2021
Brian Poole, New Orleans Saints, Agree to Contract
After failing to earn a big, multi-year deal last offseason, Brian Poole returned to the Jets in 2020. Coming off of a breakout season, he looked to replicate his production, and he certainly did. Poole made seven starts in 9 games, with two interceptions, seven pass deflections, one sack, and 44 total tackles. Poole primarily lined up in the slot once again, and quarterbacks struggled against him. They earned a 61.6 passer rating when throwing his way, as Poole only gave up 25 completions for 257 yards on the year.
An undrafted free agent back in 2016 out of Florida, Brian Poole brought his versatility to Atlanta. At 5-10 and 213lbs, Poole was utilized in the slot, out wide, at safety, and linebacker too. In three seasons with the Falcons, he totaled four interceptions, 19 pass deflections, five sacks, and 196 total tackles. The Jets brought on Poole with a one-year deal in 2019, and again in 2020. In two seasons with the Jets, Poole has not only emerged as a regular in the starting lineup but one of the league’s best slot corners. He has played in 25 games with the Jets, posting three picks, 103 total tackles, and 12 pass deflections. Over the past two seasons, Poole has earned a 79.0 and 77.1 grade from PFF, ranking amongst the top 11 corners in all of football.
Poole’s versatility is his biggest plus, and now he has found a home primarily as a slot cornerback. He is going to be 29-years-old in 2021 and hopes to return at full strength. After all, Poole’s 2020 season was cut short due to season-ending shoulder surgery, on top of knee issues he was also placed on injured reserve with. Ultimately, Poole makes for a fantastic defensive chess-piece if back at full-strength.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
