Brian Poole (American football)

On May 5, 2016, the Atlanta Falcons signed Poole as an undrafted free agent on a three-year, $1.62 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $3,500.[9][10][11] Poole received offers from multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals. He chose to sign with Atlanta Falcons due to his past relationship with head coach Dan Quinn, who recruited Poole to Florida and was his defensive coordinator there.[12]

Throughout training camp, he competed for a roster spot against DeMarcus Van Dyke, Akeem King, C. J. Goodwin, David Mims, Devonte Johnson, and Jordan Sefon.[13] He was named the third cornerback on the depth chart, behind Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, and was also given nickel coverage duties.[14][15]

He had his first career interception in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers on quarterback Cam Newton.[16] He played in all 16 games with nine starts as a rookie, recording 59 tackles, 10 passes defensed, and one interception.[17][18] In the postseason, he played in all three games, starting two, including Super Bowl LI, which the Falcons lost in overtime to the New England Patriots by a score of 34–28. In the Super Bowl, Poole had four total tackles.[19][20]

In 2017, Poole played in 15 games with three starts as the Falcons' No. 3 cornerback, recording 63 tackles and four passes defensed.

In 2018, Poole played in all 16 games with nine starts, he recorded career-highs in both interceptions and sacks, with three in both category.

On March 15, 2019, Poole signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the New York Jets.[21] In week 12 against the Oakland Raiders, Poole recorded an interception off a pass thrown by Derek Carr and returned it for a 15 yard touchdown in the 34–3 win.[22]

On March 21, 2020, Poole re-signed with the Jets.[23] He was placed on injured reserve on November 17, 2020 after suffering shoulder and knee injuries in Week 9.[24]