Dontari Poe rumors: Falcons interested in deal
The Atlanta Falcons are looking to beef up their defensive line, and reportedly have eyes set on nose tackle Dontari Poe for a short-term deal.
Many pundits believed Dontari Poe would get a large deal in free agency after seeing his rookie deal expire, but that doesn’t seem to be reality. Poe, 26, remains on the market into free agency’s second day, but is reportedly drawing interest from the NFC champions.
While Poe has only missed two games in his five-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, perhaps there are some concerns about his back. Poe needed back surgery in July 2015 and since then, he hasn’t been the same player. In 2013 and 2014, Poe was dominant in the trenches, racking up a combined 10.5 sacks. In those years, he was named a second-team All-Pro once and twice a Pro Bowler.
Continue to hear the Falcons linked to Chiefs DT Dontari Poe. Very good chance he does 1yr deal to relaunch as a UFA next March
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 10, 2017
Since the back surgery, Poe has not reached either accolade, and has amassed 2.5 sacks. It should be noted that Poe remains a good defender against the run, but might be looking at becoming more of a two-down player. In Kansas City, he rarely left the field, leading to concerns that his 346-pound frame is beginning to wear down.
The Falcons are looking for a clogger in the middle, and have some familiarity with Poe. The former University of Memphis star was drafted by Scott Pioli when he was the general manager in Kansas City. Pioli now works as the assistant general manager in Atlanta.
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If La Canfora is correct and Poe only gets a one-year deal, it’s not a risk for the Falcons. If he plays great, they control Poe’s rights. If not, they move on.