Falcons preparing to walk away from Dontari Poe

The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for some roster turnover, and general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Dontari Poe won’t be returning.

The NFL is gathered in Indianapolis for the annual combine. There is more taking place than just watching the “underwear Olympics.” With so many of the league’s top brass together, the rumors are coming at an almost alarming rate.

This is also the time of year, before the official league year begins, where financial decisions begin to be made. Roster moves are taking place. This is the time where teams start to look at their roster as a whole and make some cuts.

Chicago has already announced a handful of players they’ll be releasing, including quarterback Mike Glennon. Carolina intends to cut running back Johnathan Stewart. The Jets are planning on letting Muhammad Wilkerson go as well. Another talented defensive tackle that will join Wilkerson on the market in Dontari Poe.

According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN, Falcon’s general manager Thomas Dimitroff thinks Poe will get a big deal that prices him out of Atlanta’s range.

"“Did a heck of a job for us this year,” Dimitroff said. “We really liked his impact for us — especially in the run game — understanding that it may be a one-year deal. We’re in a spot right now where there’s a very good chance that he’s going to go to free agency and land a very lucrative deal. So we appreciate what he has done with us.”"

The Falcons signed Poe to a one year deal after the 2016 season. The Kansas City Chiefs released the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle earlier that offseason. Atlanta pinned Poe as the run-stuffing tackle they need in its undersized defense.

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With Poe on board, Atlanta ranked as one of the 10 best teams defending the run. It was an upgrade from the middling finish in 2016. The team will need to find a replacement either in free agency or the draft to avoid a regression.