NFL free agency predictions: Where will Dontari Poe, Jamaal Charles land?

No one has played more snaps on the Chiefs defense over the last 5 years than Dontari Poe, whose 4,242 career defensive snaps is an incredible total. On the one hand, it could be argued that the Chiefs owe Poe for providing such stability along the defensive line. On the other, it’s much easier to argue that he’s used up his prime and that, even at age 26, Poe’s best days are behind him. Still, some team is going to look at Poe’s youth, incredible athleticism and two Pro Bowls and make him a rich man.

Prediction: Atlanta Falcons

There’s some financial maneuvering that the NFC champs would have to do to fit Dontari Poe into the mix, but they’ve already begun to do just that with the expected release of defensive end Tyson Jackson and the fact that defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux is already an unrestricted free agent. Some further moves should free enough cap flexibility to structure Poe for a nice enough deal.

The need is here, as Atlanta could use some help along the defensive front and that was the case before losing both of the aforementioned players. Poe can play the nose tackle position in the Falcons’ base defense, but he’s also versatile enough to slide around on the line as sub packages shift the formation. He can also help mentor and spell Grady Jarrett to further develop his game.

Even more important is that the man who drafted Poe in the first place has a voice of influence with the Falcons front office. Scott Pioli had a vision for what Poe could become and took him after his impressive showing at the NFL Combine. The marriage makes sense in many ways, from familiarity to need, and even with cap limitations, teams can usually find a creative way to get the guy they want.