The Carolina Panthers are reportedly going to tag defensive tackle Kawann Short. That’s good news for Dontari Poe, who is likely to hit free agency in a matter of days.
The Carolina Panthers are making moves along their defensive line, and that means that Kansas City Chiefs lineman Dontari Poe should be smiling ear to ear. With reports from ESPN’s Ed Werder that Poe will be allowed to hit free agency, Poe is likely to be the top defensive lineman available on the open market if rumors are true that the Panthers will franchise defensive tackle Kawann Short.
The Panthers faced significant losses along the defensive line heading into free agency, but they avoided a worst-case scenario by signing defensive end Mario Addision to a three-year deal on Monday. That contract frees up general manager Dave Gettleman to use the franchise tag on Short, a 315 lb. behemoth who had 55 tackles and 6 sacks last season.
If Short is tagged, then that means only the Panthers will be free to continue to negotiate with him, making Poe as the best defensive lineman available. Nick Fairley is expected to make serious money, but Poe is three years younger. Same with Tyson Alualu. He’s nine years younger than Vince Wilfork. Poe will get some competition from Ravens DT Brandon Williams, but suffice it to say, Poe should command top dollar from some team flush with cash.
For the Chiefs, this means likely saying goodbye to their anchor in the middle of the front seven, a player that Scott Pioli took at No. 11 overall after he wowed scouts with an incredible performance at the NFL Combine. Fortunately, the team has some solid veterans returning from injury in Jaye Howard and Allen Bailey to go with Chris Jones, the team’s top draft pick in 2016.