Eddie Lacy isn’t the only plus-sized NFL star who has big money tied up in weight incentives this year. Dontari Poe can earn $125,000 Tuesday if he weighs in under 330 pounds at the start of Atlanta Falcons minicamp.
In fact, Poe can earn a total of $500,000 this year if he weighs in under 330 pounds at various points this year. According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Poe “has three other possible bonuses, each at $125,000 if he weighs 330 or less at the start of training camp, regular season and in November.”
Ledbetter noted Poe looked to “be clearly under his targeted weight” last week during OTAs.
The former Kansas City Chiefs lineman was listed at 346 pounds last season. The Falcons believe he’ll be much more effective this season if he’s trimmer. Practicing in the heat and humidity of the Georgia climate has helped him stay below his mark, Poe said.
“It’s been pretty smooth,” Poe said. “I’m pretty much where I need to be, so as long as I keep doing that, I’ll be alright. I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing.”
Originally a first-round pick out of Memphis, Poe has been up and down throughout his five-year career. He had two stellar seasons in Kansas City between 2013-14 before seeing a bit of a drop-off in production the past two years.
After signing a one-year deal in Atlanta, Poe has a chance to prove he’s capable of playing at a high level again, earning a chance at a big contract next year.