Colts: Free Agent Dontari Poe Visits But No Deal Struck Yet
By Kyle Nishida
Sunday started with plenty of optimism for the Indianapolis Colts as they knew they had a meeting with free agent Dontari Poe. Unfortunately, the meeting did not result in the two sides agreeing to a contract.
The reports of Poe’s meeting with the Colts began surfacing late Friday (March 10). The Colts were his first stop on a list that included as many as four other teams.
With new general manager Chris Ballard in full control of the franchise, Poe had a reason for visiting Indy first. Ballard selected Poe in the 2012 NFL Draft when he was the director of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The familiarity between Ballard and Poe had the potential to create a happy reunion. ESPN’s Josina Anderson hinted that both sides had some positive energy heading into the meeting.
Spoke to Dontari Poe last night. He said he's "looking forward " to visiting the #Colts. "They're trying to get something done," he added.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 12, 2017
Sadly, the positive momentum failed to produce a contract agreement. Anderson did report that the meeting “went well,” but it is still disappointing to see that no deal had been made.
I'm told DT Dontari Poe's visit w/t #Colts "went well." There's "no deal" at this time. He's scheduled to travel for a visit with the #Jags.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 12, 2017
As a result, Poe’s free agent tour will continue. The 26-year-old nose tackle will meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars next.
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The Colts failing to sign Poe is not the end of the world right now. There is still the potential of the two sides reconvening and reaching an agreement in the future.
There is a good chance Poe wants to evaluate all of his options. Obviously, the Colts wanted him to sign a contract when he met with them. However, the free agent is likely seeing what else he can get before committing to a team.
Aside from Dont’a Hightower, Poe is the biggest name on the market. The Colts are not going to give up their pursuit of him until he tells them to stop.
Poe averaged at least 45 tackles and three sacks in the first three years of his career. However, his statistical production has declined in the past two seasons. He has only averaged 33 tackles and one sack.
Indianapolis spent the first days of free agency reshaping their outside linebacker group. They still have other defensive needs they must address. Obviously, the pursuit of Poe plays into that.
Next: Colts: Chris Ballard Makes Sweeping Changes at OLB
Poe will not make this offseason a success if he signs or a failure if he joins another team. The Colts’ offseason success will be determine by the collective sum of their summer moves; including the seven picks they own in the 2017 NFL Draft.