Report: Panthers not likely to pick up Dontari Poe’s 2020 option

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe is likely to soon become a free agent, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.

Poe, 29, signed a three-year, $28 million contract with the Carolina Panthers back in 2018, with a team option for 2020. Rodrigue is reporting it is unlikely Carolina picks up that option. The Panthers would save $9.8 million against the cap by moving on from Poe, who is coming back from a torn quad muscle.

The Chiefs drafted Poe in 2012 with the No. 11 pick overall. Poe became a fan favorite in Kansas City as a staple up front — and his offensive scoring plays like Hungry Pig Right and Bloated Tebow. Poe was named a second-team All-Pro in 2013 as a member of the Chiefs.

After leaving the Chiefs, Poe signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons before his contract with the Panthers.

Bringing Poe back to Kansas City in 2020 would be uncharacteristic from what we’re used to from general manager Brett Veach, who tends to favor youth. Poe will be 30 before the season begins, and he is recovering from injury.

But there is uncertainty with Chris Jones — and Mike Pennel and Xavier Williams are set to become free agents. Steve Spagnuolo likes his bigger-bodied defensive tackles, and Poe would certainly fit that bill. For the right price, perhaps there could be room for a Poe-Chiefs reunion in Kansas City.