Bengals bringing in Falcons CB Brian Poole for visit, per report

The Bengals are bringing in Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brian Poole as their first free agent visit, per ESPN.com Falcons reporter Vaughn McClure.

Poole was signed by Atlanta as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and ended up playing over 1,000 snaps in his rookie year, the season that ended in Atlanta blowing a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.

A successful rookie season cemented Poole as the Falcons’ slot cornerback for the next two seasons where he would continue to develop into a solid player. In three years he’s racked up 144 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 19 passes defended and four interceptions. Missed tackles are not uncommon for Poole, but his coverage skills have progressed.

Cincinnati’s interest in Poole at the very least means any interest in moving on from Darqueze Dennard is real. Dennard’s market is likely to be in the $9-10M APY range after slot cornerback Justin Coleman signed a four-year deal worth $9M per year. Poole, who has made an average of $541,167 over the last three years on an undrafted rookie contract, will be considerably cheaper and likely less of a long-term investment.

Before he comes to Cincinnati, Poole has to complete his visit with the Jets. But if things go well, Poole could be announced as a Bengal as early as today.