Chiefs rumors: Dontari Poe’s asking price is $10 million per year
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs let Dontari Poe hit free agency, who reportedly wants $10 million per year to sign a new deal.
John Dorsey, general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, has made it clear that he wants free agent defensive tackle Dontari Poe back in 2017. He just didn’t want to use the franchise tag to force it to happen. Now that the open market is ready to open, Poe’s asking price is now made clear: $10 million per season is the expectation.
Will Poe receive that amount depends on how hungry teams are for the 26-year-old lineman. He’s an anchor in the middle, a stout run defender who can help collapse the pocket, despite a stat line showing only 1.5 sacks last season. In the past, Poe has been a three-down lineman effective from Week 1 to Week 16. Unfortunately, his stamina has lessened over time and the Memphis product has also experienced back problems. Those issues should only continue to get worse over time, a natural product of playing in the NFL.
That said, Poe is a Pro Bowl performer who is still an above average lineman who deserves to be paid well. The price tag at $10 million is likely too steep for the Chiefs, but if lack of demand pushes the market on Poe south just a bit, it’s likely that Dorsey could be interested. However, other teams like the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are also likely players for Poe’s services, or at least among those with cap space and a need for a defensive anchor.
It will be interesting to see where Poe ultimately lands, his early suitors and whether or not he gives Dorsey the right of first refusal.