The Jets should have some competition if they hope to re-sign Brian Poole.
The slot cornerback is one of several defenders on the Browns’ radar, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. Ravens pass-rusher Matt Judon, Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman and Titans linebacker Jayon Brown were also mentioned as possible targets for Cleveland.
The Browns will need a new nickel corner if they don’t re-sign Kevin Williams. That’s where Poole could come in.
Poole has spent the last two seasons in New York, playing at a high level when healthy. He only played in nine games in 2020 thanks to season-ending shoulder surgery, but he was still ranked the 10th-best corner in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. He ranked ninth in 2019 after playing in 14 games.
Poole finished his 2020 season with seven passes defended, one sack and 44 tackles.
Poole came to the Jets from the Falcons as a free agent ahead of the 2019 season. New York re-signed him last offseason and could look to do so again later this month. Poole has been the most reliable member of New York’s cornerback room for two years now, and it would be wise to keep the 28-year-old veteran around an otherwise inexperienced, unproven group.
If not, the Jets could also look at impending 49ers free agent K’Waun Williams, who played under Robert Saleh in San Francisco.
