Chicago Bears: Free agent profile, Brian Poole

Could the Chicago Bears be interested in recently released Brian Poole?

The Chicago Bears, depending on what happens with Bryce Callahan, could be in the market for a cornerback. Recently, a new name joined the free agent cornerback market courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons.

On February 15th, the Falcons informed Brian Poole that they would not be picking up his option and that he would become a free agent. It was later reported that Atlanta may be open to ultimately bringing him back but at less than the $2 million restricted free agent tender amount.

If that’s the case, the Bears could be keenly interested and may be monitoring the market for Poole.

Poole was Atlanta’s primary nickel cornerback since he signed a contract as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Last season alone, he came up with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. On top of that he finished with 74 tackles, six passes defended, and three sacks. In other words, he seemed to fill up the stat sheet last year.

He’s also been regarded as very good as a blitzer, something that might make new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano’s ears perk up. His level of physicality gave the Falcons the confidence to use him more as a blitzer, knowing if he got to the quarterback he would finish the job.

Based on that level of productivity, it was somewhat of a surprising move by the Falcons — especially considering how relatively cheap his contract would have been. In addition, he is only 26 years old and has only missed one game in his three-year career.

Above average nickel cornerbacks in the prime of their career, with a history of staying healthy, don’t usually become available for around $2 million per year.

Verdict

So should the Bears be buyers of Brian Poole’s services? Well, if they get the sense that Callahan is unlikely to return, or even likely to test the free agent market, then yes. As mentioned above, he would be incredibly cost-effective and would seem to also fit what Pagano likes to do with his corners.

It also helps that he appears to have a slight disdain for the Green Bay Packers, and Aaron Rodgers.