Why the Chiefs are allowing Dontari Poe to hit free agency

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Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Kansas City won 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Kansas City Chiefs will reportedly let Dontari Poe leave in free agency. Here’s why John Dorsey made that choice.

Dontari Poe was once the centerpiece of the Kansas City Chiefs front seven, an athletic wonder who anchored the middle of the defensive line with the stamina of 10 men. On Wednesday, Ian Rapoport says the Chiefs will allow Poe to explore free agency.

#Chiefs are not expected to franchise tag Dontari Poe. The #Ravens are not expected to tag Brandon Williams. Big DTs hitting the FA market
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2017

The move might sound a bit surprising to those who have not been watching the team closely over the last year. After all, allowing a 26-year-old, two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle with such a rare combination of size and athleticism to head into free agency is the stuff of general manager’s dreams. However, Poe’s play, health and stamina have all declined in recent years, slowly shifting Poe from a wunderkind to an above average defensive lineman.

Certainly Poe will be a fine performer for his next team, no doubt about it. And he was truly something special to behold during his early tenure with the Chiefs. He immediately commanded double teams and earned rave reviews for his ability to push the pocket from the middle. He seemed to never come off the field, staying in for long drives one after another despite tipping the scales at 350 lbs.

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