The Jets signed former Falcons CB Brian Poole to a one-year, $3.5 million deal on Thursday night, making him their new nickel cornerback.
New York was in need of a corner to man the slot after Buster Skrine signed with the Chicago Bears. Poole brings some physicality and youth to Gregg Williams’s defense; expect more cornerback blitzes than in recent years.
With Poole being the latest addition to New Jack City, let’s get to know the newest Jet.
Undrafted Free Agent
Brian Poole was an undrafted free agent coming out of the University of Florida when he entered the league in 2016.
The former Gator signed a contract with Atlanta because of his familiarity with Falcons head coach Dan Quinn. Quinn helped recruit Poole to Florida when he served as the program’s defensive coordinator.
Poole found himself in the Super Bowl at the end of his rookie season. Not bad for an undrafted free agent.
Reunited with his college teammate
By signing with the Jets, Brian Poole reunited with his college teammate, Marcus Maye.
Maye recruited Poole to the Jets after he was not tendered a contract by the Atlanta Falcons.
Poole and Maye had great success at the University of Florida. Poole was a tough cornerback who had a knack for being a physical player, forcing several fumbles over his college career. Maye, meanwhile, was a ballhawk and an esteemed player in coverage.
New York is hoping that this college connection can lead to some success in the secondary.
Free Blitzer
Poole had been a mainstay in the Falcons secondary, manning the slot since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2016.
However, he was also consistently sent to pressure the quarterback. His 23 total pressures over the last three seasons are third-most among cornerbacks over that period.
Expect that continue — and even increase — now that Poole is playing for Gregg Williams.
Super Bowl Rookie
Poole was just a rookie when he played in his first Super Bowl.
However, his Falcons suffered one of the most miserable blown leads in Super Bowl history, losing after being up 25 on the Jets’ bitter rivals, the Patriots. Poole managed four tackles in the game and was part of a secondary that could just not stop Tom Brady and the Patriots’ passing attack in the second half.
Now, the Poole is hoping for another Super Bowl with the Jets — and a better result.
