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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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus (left) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Bruce Kluckhohn/AP)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com