The Atlanta Falcons targeted free agent defensive tackle Dontari Poe.
Poe, 26, spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs. At 346 pounds, he is among the heaviest players in league history.
The Falcons are looking to boost up the defense under new coordinator Marquand Manuel.
“To our point about rotations, to our point about having versatility to not only aligning on first and second down, but to push the pocket as a big, big dude pushing toward the quarterback,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has said on Poe. “That’s an important thing."
Here are five things to know about Poe:
Credit: Al Bello
Credit: Al Bello
Poe, a 6-foot-4, 346-pound defensive tackle was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs out of Memphis. Scott Pioli, now with the Falcons, was Kansas City's general manager when he was drafted.
Credit: Brian Bahr
Credit: Brian Bahr
Poe was limited by back issues in 2015. He had surgery on a herniated disc before the season, forcing him to miss some playing time and all of training camp.
Credit: Joel Auerbach
Credit: Joel Auerbach
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Poe posted 10.5 sacks over two seasons, but has had just 2.5 sacks in two years since.
Credit: Jason Hanna
Credit: Jason Hanna
At 346 pounds Poe is the heaviest player in NFL history to score on a touchdown pass and a touchdown run.
Credit: Peter Aiken
Credit: Peter Aiken
Poe, who is an investor in the tech industry, also is a spokesman for Coca-Cola.
About the Author
