Brian Poole’s tenure with the Jets is officially over.
New York’s former starting slot cornerback inked a one-year deal with the Saints on Sunday. Poole will now return to the NFC South after starting his career with the Falcons.
The Jets struck gold when they picked Poole up off the scrap heap after Atlanta curiously let him go after the 2018 season. New York signed the former undrafted free agent to a one-year, $3.5 million deal in free agency and instantly reaped the benefits, as Poole was the team’s best cornerback in 2019 with 59 tackles, five pass deflections and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.
2020 was a different story for Poole. The Florida product battled injuries throughout the year, suiting up for just nine games and making seven starts. He produced when healthy, though, posting 44 tackles, seven pass deflections and two interceptions.
In two seasons with the Jets, Poole totaled 103 tackles, 12 pass deflections, seven quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, three interceptions and one forced fumble.
With Poole off to New Orleans, New York seems content with Michael Carter II, Javelin Guidry and Brandin Echols battling it out for the starting slot position in Jeff Ulbrich’s defense during training camp and the preseason. Carter II and Guidry are the top contenders to win the gig, as New York was high on Carter II coming out of Duke and Guidry was solid in the role as an undrafted free agent last season.