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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