CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have come to an agreement on a three-year contract with defensive tackle Dontari Poe, according to Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network.
The deal is reportedly worth $27 million.
Poe, who played last season with the Atlanta Falcons will fill the void left by Star Lotulelei, who signed with the Buffalo Bills.
Drafted 11th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012, Poe is a two-time Pro Bowl player who can dominate the interior line.
He and Kawann Short will form a formidable duo for the Panthers on the defensive line. Poe is capable of commanding a double team, which will make it easier for Short to rush the passer from the inside, a skill he has proved particularly adept at.
It will also benefit edge rushers Julius Peppers and Mario Addison who both had 11 sacks in 2017.
This is a major signing for the Panthers. Not only did it make Carolina stronger, but it took away a key player from the division rival Atlanta Falcons.
The additions of Bashaud Breeland, Torrey Smith, and Dontari Poe should be an encouraging sign for Carolina fans with the 2018 NFL Draft still to come.
