Why is Jets free agent CB Brian Poole still unsigned?
Brian Poole was one of the best players on the Jets defense over the past two seasons, but the veteran cornerback remains unsigned as teams prepare for training camp. Its surprising for a player who was the 13th-most valuable cornerback since 2019, according to Pro Football Focus WAR. Poole allowed just 472 receiving yards in over 600 slot coverage snaps and was consistently one of the top performers in a porous Jets secondary. Its likely he hasnt signed for the same reasons a lot of veteran players havent: money and scheme fit. Pooles made just $8 million total over the past two seasons after signing two one-year deals with the Jets. While he may not be looking to break the bank this offseason considering the current salary cap landscape, Poole likely wont just take the first deal that he gets. Hell need to find a team that will pay him a solid salary while offering him a role that will help him thrive. Those arent easy to come by at this point in the summer, but opportunities should pop up when teams return to training camp at the end of July. Thats when teams can reevaluate their rosters and make decisions while injuries inevitability pop up. Another issue that could be holding Poole back from a new team is his health. Knee and shoulder injuries ended his 2020 season after Week 9. If teams arent fully satisfied with his medicals, they may wait until closer to the season to bring him in. Poole may also want to play for a contender after two years on one of the worst teams in the NFL. Poole is a great player with a lot of experience and may only be interested in signing with a playoff team. That would limit his options a lot more, but its a major reason why Richard Sherman remains unsigned as well. While it would be easy for the Jets to just bring Poole back this year, they may not be interested in the 28-year-old. Robert Saleh seems intent on developing his young secondary rather than bringing in a veteran to add experience and leadership to the unit. The Jets drafted three cornerbacks, signed undrafted free agent Isaiah Dunn, and kept five 2020 holdovers with minimal starting experience. This may change as the season draws closer, but for now, it looks like Poole wont be returning to New York in 2021. That leaves a lot of options for the veteran cornerback, but its still a surprise to see one of the better slot players in the league remain teamless a few months before the season.