Earlier today, it was reported that the Falcons have chosen not to use a tender on defensive back Brian Poole, which will allow him to become a free agent when the new league year begins next month. While ESPN’s Vaughn McClure reports that Atlanta would like to bring Poole back at a lower price, the decision not to tender him speaks volumes about the organization’s trust in Damontae Kazee.
If the Falcons can get Poole back at a discount, then they’ll be better for it. However, Kazee’s awesome potential has made Poole far more expendable than we could have imagined just one year ago.
Thrust into a starting role after season-ending injuries to Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal, Kazee was a revelation for the Falcons defense in 2018. He led the team (and the NFL) with seven interceptions and made quite a few highlight-reel worthy stops. Embodying coach Dan Quinn’s fast and physical philosophy of play, Kazee became an indispensable part of Atlanta’s young and talented defense in almost no time at all.
Going forward, Quinn says Allen and Neal will resume their usual starting safety roles. That means the Falcons needed to find a way to keep Kazee on the field as much as possible. Having him take over Poole’s post as the team’s primary nickel cornerback is the most sensible solution.
Like Poole, Kazee will also play some safety. His versatility is one of the many reasons why the Falcons should keep him around as long as they can.
If they can’t bring Poole back and then Kazee or one of the other secondary starters gets injured, this decision will no doubt be questioned. For now, it’s a well-earned leap of faith in what looks like a special kind of player.
