4 Teams That Should Consider Ex-Packers DT Mike Daniels After Surprise Release
By James.r
The Packers stunningly released fan-favorite interior defensive lineman Mike Daniels on the morning of training camp's commencement, making him one of the top free agents left on the market as the season approaches. The former Pro Bowler should be snatched up quickly by a team looking for D-line help, and here are the four best destinations for his talents.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
If the Eagles could land Daniels, he would likely be more of a complementary piece than the star of the show. Daniels may not want to come to Philadelphia if it means he would be a rotational player, but if he did, Philly would have a menacing front seven. The Eagles already have Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson and Timmy Jernigan, but adding Daniels would give them one of the top DT rotations in the NFL.
3. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have built a fantastic roster that's primed for success, but they could still greatly benefit from a veteran presence in the middle of their defense. They whiffed on DT Gerald McCoy when he signed with the Panthers in June, but Daniels would be a fantastic consolation prize. Pairing the 30-year-old with Sheldon Richardson on the interior along with Olivier Vernon and Myles Garrett on the edges would give Cleveland a formidable pass rush.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts still have plenty of cap space, and GM Chris Ballard spent the offseason making prudent signings of buy-low veterans. They added an elite (albeit aging) pass rusher in Justin Houston, and they could likely get Daniels on a similar bargain contract. He would fill their gaping hole at defensive tackle and fits the profile of a win-now signing as the Colts hope to compete for a Super Bowl.
1. New England Patriots
Bill Belichick is adept at adding undervalued veteran pieces to his defense that inevitably perform well under the coach's masterful tutelage. Daniels can likely be had for relatively cheap, and he would provide a pass-rushing threat that's currently missing from the interior of the Patriots D-line. He's got the character the Patriots covet, and New England is always a great destination for veterans hoping to add a Super Bowl ring to their list of accomplishments.