Defensive back is a clear area of need for the New England Patriots, and they'll explore one potential option Wednesday.

The Patriots are hosting free-agent cornerback Brian Poole for a workout, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Poole, who turns 29 on Wednesday, is in his sixth NFL season after spending the previous two years with the Jets. He was one of New York's better players in the secondary, tallying three interceptions, 12 passes defensed and a forced safety over 23 total games.

Perry's Report Card: Poor grades for defense in Pats-Cowboys

Poole spent his first three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he signed as undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2016. Poole signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints in June 2021 but was placed on injured reserve on Aug. 24 and released last Tuesday.

Poole's workout comes three days after Dak Prescott gashed the Patriots for 445 passing yards -- the most ever allowed by Belichick's defense in New England -- in the Dallas Cowboys' overtime victory at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots have allowed 757 yards and six touchdowns through the air in their last two games.

Belichick's club signed defensive back Sean Davis to the practice squad last week, but if they like what they see from Poole, it's possible the 29-year-old could be signed to make an immediate on-field impact. 

In addition to Poole, the Patriots had free agent corner De'Vante Bausby in for a visit Wednesday, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Bausby, 28, has appeared in 26 NFL games since 2016 for the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals. He was a member of Philadelphia's practice squad when it defeated New England in Super Bowl LII.

Bausby spent part of training camp this summer with the Las Vegas Raiders before being released on Aug. 16.