Checking in on Jamaal Charles, Jeremy Maclin and other former Chiefs

Dontari Poe

Free agency wise the Chiefs did not lose much this year, but they did lose a very large piece in Dontari Poe. Since he was drafted in the first round of the 2012 draft Poe was the center piece of the Chiefs defensive line. While with the Chiefs he made two Pro Bowls and set records as the heaviest player to throw a touchdown pass and the heaviest player to run for a touchdown. But his injury history and the downward trend of his play meant he wasn’t worth the $8 million contract (plus serious incentives) Poe received in Atlanta.

Through nine games with Atlanta, Poe has collected 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks while knocking down two passes. He has been healthy, starting in all nine games and playing on 72% of the snaps. He’s played well but still hasn’t been able to find the dominance he showed in his first three seasons in the league. The Falcons rank 18th in run defense which was Poe’s biggest weakness in K.C. It does appear he has gotten past his health issues, but he’s just not worth top DT money. Poe is a good piece, but he’s not someone you can build a defensive line around. Once again, the Chiefs made the 100% correct move by not giving him the money he wanted.