The Dallas Cowboys were in on a pair of former Kansas City Chiefs defensive linemen, but they are in talks to sign Dontari Poe.
The Dallas Cowboys are looking at the best of the remaining defensive linemen in free agency to shore up their defensive front and a couple former members of the Kansas City Chiefs were among those in the running.
The signs are pointing to Dontari Poe being the winner over the rest of the competition, including Mike Pennel, as both sides are in talks to bring Poe to town.
The #Cowboys are in talks with FA DT Dontari Poe, source said. It’s not done yet, but could be by the end of today if all goes well. Another potential big-name DT who spent last year with the #Panthers. https://t.co/uP7W5kBaEQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2020
Poe was originally a first round draft choice for the Chiefs back when Scott Pioli was general manager. Poe went on to provide an excellent defensive anchor in the trenches for a half-decade before concerns about his back forced the Chiefs to let him leave in free agency. He spent one season with the Atlanta Falcons before signing a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Poe lasted in Carolina for two seasons, but this offseason’s overhaul, which has included replacing longtime head coach Ron Rivera, has also meant the termination of Poe’s deal one year early.
The Cowboys were also rumored to be interested in Mike Pennel, who was a midseason signing for the Chiefs and a bit of a sensation for his run-stuffing ability in limited rotation. Pennel came up big on some key stops down the stretch and, in general, the defensive shift started to happen at the same time he signed in K.C. The Chiefs reportedly wanted to bring him back, but nothing further has been heard from either side.