Carolina Panthers: 4 free agents for wish list on defense in 2021
By Dean Jones
2. player. 30. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. BRIANPOOLE. CB. NEW YORK JETS
Carolina Panthers Target No. 2: Brian Poole (CB)
The Carolina Panthers might be on the lookout for another cornerback in free agency next year. They are going into the upcoming campaign with Donte Jackson, Eli Apple, and Troy Pride Jr. as their starting options. And it remains to be seen whether this trio can step up in their face of some exceptional passing attacks on the schedule.
One name that catches the eye who might not cost the earth is Brian Poole. The former Florida standout has worked his way up from an undrafted prospect to NFL starter. And he performed well for the New York Jets last season.
Poole was targeted 53 times last season, giving up 33 receptions on his way to an outstanding 79.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. This might see the corner get an increase in minutes next time around after he was given a one-year, $5 million contract extension with a $3 million signing bonus.
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He was on the field for 68.2 percent of the Jets’ defensive snaps in 2019. This saw Poole record 48 solo tackles, one interception, five pass deflections, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and one forced fumble from ten starts.
Another strong campaign from Poole in 2020 might result in the corner getting a long-term extension either with the Jets or elsewhere. He will be an enticing proposition on the free-agent market for the Panthers. But much will depend on how their current unit fares in the coming months.