Coveted defensive tackle Dontari Poe, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal with the Falcons on Thursday.
Poe had visited with Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Atlanta and Miami in free agency after not being re-signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was slated to visit Oakland.
Poe is a 6-foot-3, 346-pounder from Memphis who was taken 11th overall in 2012 draft.
Poe made $6.1 million last season. The terms were undisclosed.
The Chiefs signed defensive tackle Bennie Logan to a one-year, $6.68 million deal that included a $1 million signing bonus on Tuesday, 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.
“Poe is an athletic, big guy that can push the pocket,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “He will add to our defensive line group and will mix nicely with (Vic) Beasley, Jarrett, (Derrick) Shelby and (Adrian) Clayborn. We are happy to be able to add him to our roster.”
Poe has recorded 202 total tackles in 78 games played – 76 started – while also recording 13 sacks, 12 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Last season, Poe played in all 16 games, while recording 27 total tackles – 18 solo - with 1.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and one forced fumble.
About the Author
