Oakland Raiders: A few free agent defensive tackles worth looking at
By Kevin Saito
There was a lot of chatter by fans last year who wanted McKenzie to take a run at bringing in longtime Kansas City defensive tackle Dontari Poe. And given his level of production over his first few seasons with Kansas City, it wouldn’t have been a bad pick up.
In five seasons with the Chiefs, Poe was a rock on the interior of that defensive line. He amassed 202 total tackles (156 solo), 13 sacks, had 12 passes defensed, forced two fumbles, and recovered one.
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Poe routinely stuffed the ballcarrier and wreaked havoc in the backfield of opposing quarterbacks.
Though he had no shortage of suitors last year, Poe still didn’t get the type of deal he was looking for – something long term. Ultimately, he signed a one-year “prove it” type deal with Atlanta for $8 million dollars.
Now, 27-years old, the six-foot-three, 346 pound former first-round pick is a free agent again and will be looking for some financial security.
He certainly didn’t hurt his case in Atlanta, starting all sixteen games while amassing 39 tackles (26 solo), a pair of passes defensed, and 2.5 sacks on the year.
All things considered, he had a good season. He didn’t have a dominant season though, which may help drive his stock down a bit. He may not get that big-money deal he is seeking, which means the Raiders might be able to get him at a bargain rate. Or perhaps, McKenzie can work some magic with an incentive-laden offer that might catch his attention.
Poe has been tough and durable over his six year career. And he would definitely be a much needed upgrade to Oakland’s interior line.