Defensive tackle Dontari Poe signed a one-year, $8 million deal according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. His new deal could earn him a total of $10 million adding in incentives. Poe spent the first five seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Falcons gave former Chiefs' DT Dontari Poe a one-year, $8 million deal that could increase to $10M with incentives, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2017
Dontari Poe Agrees to Terms With Atlanta Falcons
Soon to be a sixth-year pro, Dontari Poe has his prime ahead of him. The concern is that he bounces back from the last couple years that he produced. In the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Poe accumulated 80 tackles and 10.5 sacks. However, after just managing 2.5 sacks the past two seasons, there are whispers about the 26-year-old and why his play on the field went down the drain.
Poe hasn’t been completely awful, just a little slow. Injuries might be nagging him, which can be overcome with time. As well as being a monster on the defensive line, Poe has also demonstrated some crafty role playing in goal line offense, and rushed for a one yard score each in 2015 and 2016, while also passing for a two-yard touchdown trick play last season.
The two-time Pro Bowler can play defensive tackle in a 4-3 or slide to nose tackle in a 3-4, which is where he would be more comfortable. Measured at 6’3” and 346 pounds, he is a monster that wreaks havoc on the inside when he’s playing at his best. Putting pressure on the quarterback, especially between the guards and center, has grown to become so crucial to controlling games. Pressure from the outside helps, but the dirty work Poe handles in the middle of the trenches is impressive and valuable.
Once the Carolina Panthers placed the franchise tag on Kawann Short, Poe’s value climbed as he became the best defensive tackle option on the market. Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs were able to retain one of their other favorite defenders Jaye Howard, on a two year, $10 million deal. Uncertainty surrounded Poe heading into free agency, however, his youth and prior success makes him a valuable new asset. Look for him to recover from a couple of down years and prove he can be a vital player.
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