Why the Chiefs are allowing Dontari Poe to hit free agency
By Matt Conner
Dorsey has done an excellent job of keeping the defensive line section of the roster filled with talent, even without Poe on the depth chart. It begins with the selection of Chris Jones in last year’s draft, a man among boys even as a rookie who earned comparisons to longtime Vikings great Kevin Williams. The ceiling for Jones seems unlimited and he was already earning rave reviews as one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL in the season’s second half.
The mix also includes solid performers in veterans Jaye Howard and Allen Bailey. Both players are returning from season-ending injuries, but their presence last year could have kept Poe from logging so many snaps for once. Unfortunately the team’s depth was tested by losing both players, but Howard and Bailey are both good contributors who should lessen the impact of Poe’s loss.
A younger, developmental prospect like Rakeem Nunez-Rochez will be given more chances to play with Poe’s exit, and Dorsey has proven adept in finding the right veteran talent to fit the Bob Sutton’s defensive schemes when needed. For example, Kendall Reyes logged some impressive snaps for the Chiefs in short order when the depth chart came up short for in-house options. There’s every reason to believe Dorsey can find someone else.