Defensive tackle Dontari Poe has become the latest 2012 first-round draftee to have his fifth-year option picked up, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network. Breer reports (via Twitter) that the Chiefs have exercised their 2016 option on Poe.
Because he was selected 11th overall, Poe’s salary for the 2016 season isn’t subject to the rules for 2012’s top 10 picks, making the option more affordable for the Chiefs. Assuming he remains under contract with Kansas City and doesn’t rework his contract, the Memphis product will earn a base salary of $6.146MM in 2016 — that figure, currently guaranteed for injury only, will become fully guaranteed on the first day of the ’16 league year.
Having started all but one game for the Chiefs since entering the league three years ago, Poe has been one of the team’s best defensive players, earning spots in the last two Pro Bowls. In 2014, he recorded 46 tackles to go along with six sacks, and according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), no player appeared in more snaps at defensive tackle than Poe’s 966. In fact, only two other DTs – Ndamukong Suh (875) and Jared Odrick (817) – played more than 800 snaps.
To keep tabs on all the decisions on fifth-year options for 2012 first-rounders, be sure to check out our tracker. Teams have until May 3 to decide one way or the other on those option years.