Falcons, 49ers In On Dontari Poe

The Falcons and 49ers are among the clubs pursuing defensive tackle Dontari Poe, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), who already connected the Redskins and Colts to Poe earlier today.Dontari Poe

Atlanta is expected to revamp its defensive line this offseason, and has already indicated it won’t re-sign veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux. Poe, who ranks, as PFR’s No. 4 interior defender, who slot in at defensive tackle next to Grady Jarrett and Ra’Shede Hageman, each of whom improved in 2016. Overall, however, the Falcons’ front four ranked in the bottom half of the league in both adjusted line yards allowed and adjusted sack rate.

Like the Falcons, the 49ers will employ a Seattle-esque defense, and could use Poe in the middle of their 4-3 front. Although San Francisco’s roster is relatively barren, the one place it does have a bit of depth is up front. Former first-round picks Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner will be joined by recent signing Earl Mitchell, while Aaron Lynch and Quinton Dial will also be factors.

As Jason Cole of Bleacher Report first reported today, Poe may be forced to accept a one-year, prove-it deal if his market doesn’t develop as expected. If Poe goes that route, he could re-enter the free agent market in 2018 at the age of 27.

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