Chicago Bears free agency 2019: Top 5 targets
By Conor Dorney
1. Brian Poole, Cornerback
While the Bears would undoubtedly love to bring back Bryce Callahan, their lack of cap flexibility could price them out of his services once he hits the open market.
With slot cornerback becoming an increasingly important part of the NFL game, the potential departure of Callahan would mean the position would become a huge priority for the Bears this offseason. After recently having his fourth-year option declined by the Falcons, Brian Poole could be a good value and potential replacement.
Poole has been an important member of the Atlanta secondary since joining the team as an undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2016.
It seems like a bit of a surprise that the Falcons would be willing to let Poole walk in free agency, particularly when they still controlled his rights, but Atlanta’s loss could very well be the Bears’ gain. Poole logged the highest interception total of his career in 2018 (three) and posted 74 total tackles and three sacks for Dan Quinn’s defense.
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The Bears know that continuing to build depth and youth on the defensive side of the ball will be key to maximizing their championship window and with many of the key players in the fold for the long-term future, adding a player like Poole could help Chicago repeat as the league’s best defense next season.