Dontari Poe, defensive tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
Even after coming to terms with Eric Berry on a long-term contract, Kansas City decided against placing the franchise tag on this former first-round pick. What is good news for Poe’s earning potential will leave a glaring hole in the middle of the Chiefs’ defense.
A freak of nature in every sense of the term, Poe has earned two Pro Bowl trips in his five-year NFL career. The former first-round pick did struggle more this season against the run than in the past, but he’s going to be a mainstay along the defensive line for the next half decade plus.
The better news for Poe is that he’s not a scheme-specific player. He can line up as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense (zero technique) and can play inside at the one technique in a 4-3 defense. This seems to suggest Poe’s market will be overflowing when free agency starts.
With Poe unlikely to return to a cash-strapped Chiefs squad in free agency, we have to look at other teams with both the need and the financial ability to add someone of his ilk. It’s in this that the Oakland Raiders make sense. Poe would instantly upgrade the interior of their defensive line — adding someone to team up with the combination of Dan Williams and Justin Ellis.
Poe’s presence on the Raiders would also free up Khalil Mack from an edge rush position. Simply put, opponents would have to send double teams Poe’s way on a consistent basis. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has also made sure to target Chiefs free agents in the past with cornerback Sean Smith being the most-recent example. This would work out well for both Poe and the Raiders, leaving Kansas City out in the cold completely.
Prediction: Oakland Raiders