The Green Bay Packers shocked the league on Wednesday when they released former pro bowl defensive tackle, Mike Daniels. Daniel’s spent the duration of his seven-year career in Green Bay prior to being released.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, 30-year-old Mike Daniels drew interest from nearly a dozen teams. Daniels met with Cleveland Browns’ officials on Thursday but failed to come to terms on a deal with the team.
Daniels went from Cleveland to Detroit and met with Lions’ personnel on Friday. Detriot and Daniels agreed to a 1-year deal worth up to $9.1 million, with $7.8 million fully guaranteed according to Ian Rapoport via twitter.
The #Lions gave DL Mike Daniels a 1-year deal worth $9.1M with $7.8M guaranteed… and of the 13 teams who called, four other teams were willing to do that deal or better. But the former #Packers star wanted to play for coach Matt Patricia… and stay in the division.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2019
Mike Daniels was selected with the 132nd overall pick in the 2012 draft. After impressing coaches and teammates, Daniels earned playing time his rookie year and continued to thrive in the Packers’ 4-3 defense.
With an increasing number of tackles each season from 2012 through 2015, Daniels solidified himself as one of the better defensive tackles in the league. In 2017 Daniels earned himself his first pro bowl selection by recording 49 tackles (34 solo), 5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Detriot has made multiple moves along their defensive line over the past couple seasons including trading for Damion “Snacks” Harrison at the deadline last season and signing Trey Flowers to a long term deal in free agency.
Along with rebuilding their defensive line with veterans, one of their main focuses drafting have been bolstering their defensive line. The addition of Daniels will add some experience to a young defensive line, which should help Detroit be competitive in 2019.
