Colts Acquire Tyrone Poole

Tyrone Poole, a starter at cornerback for the Carolina Panthers, was traded to the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday in exchange for an undisclosed future draft pick.

"He was a player both Jim Mora and I felt would be a valuable addition to our team," said Colts president Bill Polian, who drafted the 5-foot-8, 188-pounder as the 22nd overall pick in the 1995 draft.

"I obviously liked him and Jim coached against him, so he felt he would be an asset," Polian said. "It gives us another quality player. You can never have enough good corners, especially in our division which has so many outstanding receivers," Polian said. "We're thrilled to get him."

Poole was a standout performer in 1996 as the Panthers reached the NFC championship game in only their second year as a franchise. Poole had 73 tackles and broke up a team-high 22 passes.

Poole became a starter five games into his rookie season. He started 44 of 47 games for Carolina, including all 16 last year when he had 60 tackles, two interceptions and 18 passes broken up.

He led Carolina in punt returns with 26 for 171 yards yards last year, averaging 7.3 yards per return.

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