How would Dontari Poe fit with the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Dontari Poe is taking several visits these days, including the Jacksonville Jaguars. How exactly would he fit on a team that’s already made so many moves?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the teams checking in on Dontari Poe. Having hosted a visit, the Jaguars join the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons and, soon, the Oakland Raiders as teams who have (or will have) hosted the free agent defensive tackle as he tours his options. The Kansas City Chiefs have also left the door open for Poe’s return at the right price, although after signing Bennie Logan, it’s difficult to believe that offer still stands.

While the Colts and Falcons were among the obvious franchises with interest and connections to Poe, Jacksonville was a surprise entrant—a mysterious inclusion on the visit list given the moves they’ve already made. To help us figure things out, we asked Luke Sims, editor for Black and Teal, to tell us more about the Jaguars’ potential interest in Poe and whether or not they even need him.

There’s been so much movement along the line with several players being released or allowed to hit free agency and others brought in. What exactly are the primary needs at this point along the defensive line?

I think we’re seeing the Jaguars finally choose to upgrade the defensive line and “get it right.” Roy Miller’s four seasons with the Jaguars were strong seasons from him and he did his role as that stop-gap defensive tackle in the most professional way possible. Similarly, a player like Sen’Derrick Marks also performed his role well and quickly became a fan favorite for his interactions in the community. But, in the end, it’s about being competitive.

With the emergence of Abry Jones, Miller was expendable. With the signing of Malik Jackson in 2016, Marks became expendable. Both Jones and Jackson were upgrades at the position. Now, with Calais Campbell coming in, it was time to officially move on and that also meant moving on from defensive end Jared Odrick. The structure of deals under David Caldwell’s tenure as general manager has allowed the Jags to move on from players quickly, even if the contracts were big, starter-pay contracts.

Now the defensive line looks pretty well set. With Yannick Ngakoue, Malik Jackson, Abry Jones, and Calais Campbell making up the core and presenting a formidable front four. Rotating in players like Dante Fowler Jr., Michael Bennett, and Tyson Alualu along with others like recently-signed Stefan Charles, makes the defensive line highly competitive in any rotation. Campbell provides flexibility as well, able to operate as a five-technique over the tackle or inside as a three-technique.

With the new additions, it doesn’t appear there is a true need anymore. That isn’t to say the Jags would say no to a premiere pass rusher in the 2017 NFL Draft, of course. Until someone racks up double-digit sacks, that will always be a need.

Do you think the Jaguars are disinterested in Poe at this point after letting him leave without a contract? What are you hearing about their interest?

It seemed that the Jags were likely done adding pieces to the defensive line in free agency before it was announced that Poe would visit. It was a pleasant surprise for a lot of the people following the team. Getting Poe to come to the team would make the aforementioned rotation even more impressive. “Formidable” would be an apt description.

The team let him get to the Atlanta Falcons, so it’s clear they were comfortable not throwing everything they could to get him to sign. It’s expected Poe will make his decision after the Falcons visit finishes and if it’s the Jaguars, that’s just icing on the cake. Looking at this throughout the process, the Jags appear comfortable with what they have heading into the draft. Poe was clearly on the radar but if it doesn’t work out, it’s no skin off the team’s back.

If the team were to sign Poe, what sort of contractual terms would you expect?

It wouldn’t be surprising to see him get a one-year “prove it” deal, much like the team did with cornerback Prince Amukamara last season. But Poe’s market value is likely more than that. Spotrac’s estimate has it at $12.1 million per year in a five-year deal situation. If the Jags were to go that route (assuming they believe he’s worth that kind of money), expect it to be front-loaded so the team can cut bait if they desire after a couple of seasons. That has been the modus operandi for the team in most free agent signings to this point. The Jags still have plenty of money left to make such a deal and still sign their own draft picks like Allen Robinson that will need new deals shortly.

The real question is whether the Jags believe Poe to be an upgrade over someone like Abry Jones or if they simply want him as another high-quality rotation player on the defensive line. If the former, the Jags should be willing to spend. If the latter, it’s unlikely that the deal will be for long.