NFL free agency grades: Panthers land Dontari Poe

The Carolina Panthers defense got a little more ferocious with the addition of defensive tackle Dontari Poe.

One of the top names on the free-agent market has been claimed.

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Dontari Poe will be lining up for the Carolina Panthers for the next three years, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011, the 27-year-old Poe played well for the Falcons in 2017. He had 39 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two passes defensed, not to mention 10 quarterback hits. But the team has to clear some money to re-sign starting quarterback Matt Ryan, so it couldn’t make the Poe puzzle piece fit.

Let’s take a closer look at what the deal means for both sides.

Contract details

According to Rapoport, the Panthers will pay Poe between $9 and $10 million per year over the next three years:

National reaction

NFL.com’s Matt Harmon pointed out that the signing will do nicely for the production of the defensive line for the Panthers, who let Star Lotulelei walk in free agency:

Pro Football Talk’s Darrin Grant came right out and said that the Panthers actually improved at the position:

Panthers beat writer Jourdan Rodrigue had high words of praise for the move, elaborating on how the Panthers can use Poe in different packages:

Grade

Up to $10 million annually is a nice chunk of change to pay for a player who has been questionable on third downs in the past, but the Panthers ensured that they won’t miss a beat on their defensive line by bringing in another athletic down lineman.

Carolina will enjoy Poe’s run-stuffing prowess up front and his ability to double-gap.

For a big man, Poe was also consistently healthy for the Falcons, starting all 16 games in 2017.

He’s also run in two touchdowns at the goal line, so…that’s something.

Grade: A