The Falcons had cleared some salary-cap space, presumably to get in better position to sign free-agent defensive tackle Dontari Poe.

But it apparently wasn’t enough to help land Poe, arguably the best defensive tackle left in free agency.

Poe left Atlanta on Tuesday without a deal after meeting with the Falcons, according to CBS Sports.com.

Poe, who earlier interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts, flew to South Florida to meet with the Dolphins.

“We’re not close to a deal,” said Jimmy Sexton, Poe’s high-profile agent, when reached Friday.

Poe, a two-time Pro Bowler who made $6.1 million deal, apparently is balking at taking a one-year, make-good deal.

The Chiefs, Poe’s former team, signed defensive tackle Bennie Logan to a one-year, $6.68 million deal that included a $1 million signing bonus, according to the Kansas City Star.

After not re-signing veteran Jonathan Babnineaux and releasing Tyson Jackson, the Falcons are looking to buttress their defensive tackle position behind Grady Jarrett.

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Offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson, here at training camp with the Falcons in 2022, played with the Cardinals in 2023 before returning to Atlanta before the 2024 season. Wilkinson is expected to be the starter at right tackle in the Falcons' season opener against the Buccaneers. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

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