Sometimes the NFL will be cruel without warning. Mike Daniels just learned that lesson. The Green Bay Packers reportedly are set to release Daniels after seven years with the organization. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Packers tried to trade the defensive lineman before the start of the season, but few teams were willing to take on his contract.
The #Packers explored a trade of Mike Daniels, source adds, but couldn’t make it happen. He was due $8.1m this season in base salary and roster bonuses. The #Browns, with all their former GB connections, figure to at least take a look after trying to sign Gerald McCoy.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 24, 2019
A fourth-round pick from Iowa in 2012, Daniels became one of the league’s top interior defenders throughout his seven seasons. He collected 225 total tackles, 29 sacks, and two forced fumbles during his 102 regular-season games with the organization.
The 30-year-old defender is entering free agency after a down year. He registered just 18 tackles and two sacks through 10 games before landing on the injured reserve with a foot injury.
Mike Daniels next step in the NFL
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Daniels is looking to sign with a Super Bowl contender rather than chase a lucrative contract. After a low production season and given his age, it’s hard to imagine a team shoveling money down the pipe to bring him in. With perhaps his best years being left in Lambeau, Daniels is more interested in getting a ring than getting a payday.
Mike Daniels now becomes a free agent; preference would be to sign with Super-Bowl contender. https://t.co/IGyLj7kZ77
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2019
Several teams come to mind when thinking of landing spots for the veteran defensive tackle. Some have more significant needs than others. If Daniels is genuinely looking for a ring while still trying to be paid, here are some locations he might want to explore.
Honorable Mention: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are contenders thanks to their offensive arsenal and quality defense. If their offensive line and Kirk Cousins can figure it out, they would possibly be favorites to win the NFC North. The problem is Minnesota has one of the worst cap spaces heading into the 2019 season.
Daniels likely isn’t taking a deal under $5.2 million, even to join a contender. It’s a thought for a team with a small need at the position. Their cap space takes them out of the running for now.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints might be the favorite to bring home the Lombardi Trophy heading into training camp. Their offense is dynamic, Drew Brees is among the elite quarterbacks and their defense finished inside the top 15 rankings last year. One hole that could use an upgrade is at defensive tackle.
New Orleans drafted Sheldon Rankins in 2016 to become their run stopper up the middle. He’ll begin the year on the PUP list after tearing his Achilles during the divisional playoff round. The projected starter for New Orleans heading into the season is Mario Edwards Jr., a journeyman who began his career as a defensive end.
The Saints have $12.3 million in cap space and could use Daniels inside with Rankin expected to miss significant time. While his production was down, his ability to stop the run up the middle was well documented in Green Bay. As a rental player, Daniels would come cheap and head to a team with perhaps the best chance to win it all.
Both parties could benefit from a deal like this if Daniels returns to his old form.
Dallas Cowboys
It’s tricky to talk about the Cowboys at the moment. On the one hand, the team is looking to extend up to six of their young starters. On the other side, Dallas needs a defensive tackle and could only have a one-year window to return to the Super Bowl.
The Cowboys defense finished with a top 10 grade in the NFL in total defense and top-five against the run. The team did lose David Irving to the league’s substance policy, and Maliek Collins has dealt with injuries in the past. Trysten Hill is the only other option, and he’s a rookie who could take some time to grow.
If Daniels signs in Dallas, Tyrone Crawford would be able to shift back to his defensive end role permanently. In a 4-3 base front, Daniels would also be limited to just one gap, making his assignments easier. Dallas will need to decide if they can win without the help of a veteran up the middle.
If they can’t, Jerry Jones might need to risk losing a player in the future to bring home a trophy in the present. Daniels would fit their defense perfectly.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns were heavily in the mix for fellow defensive tackle Gerald McCoy when he was released. John Dorsey is doing everything in his power to make Cleveland a legitimate contender in 2019 with a young core at the helm. Throw in veterans such as Sheldon Richardson and Odell Beckham Jr., and the roster has looked better than ever before.
Do the Browns need a defensive tackle? For depth purposes, they probably would love to add someone. Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi are the definite starters, but if one were to be injured for an extended period, there’s not much promise. Brian Price has just 20 total tackles and Carl Davis never panned out in Baltimore.
The Browns currently have the third-highest cap space with over $34 million waiting to spend. Not only would Cleveland be able to bring in Daniels for the right price, they could also do so on a multi-year contract. You can never have too much depth and Daniels can play either defensive tackle role.
Cleveland has the money and the hype that Daniels would love to join. It has to be on his shortlist of places to sign.
Los Angeles Chargers
Morale is high for Chargers fans heading into training camp. Yes, it stinks the team moved from San Diego, but the roster in place might be the most complete unit in the NFL. Philip Rivers was playing at an MVP like level last year while the defense continues to improve.
The defensive tackle position has recently been a problem for the Chargers to correct. Corey Liuget was not retained after eight seasons with the organization and Brandon Mebane is in a contract year. Los Angeles did use their first-round selection last April on Jerry Tillery from Notre Dame. Still, the team’s front seven could explore the idea of bringing in Daniels.
The Chargers finished with a top ten rushing defense a season ago with an often injured front seven. Now healthy, pairing Daniels’ run skills with Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa would solidify the run defense. The team only has $10.9 million in cap space, so a one-year deal would likely be their best option. With a need at the position and now drama surrounding their offense, making their defense elite could be vital to staying in contention.
Sometimes defense wins championships. The addition of Daniels out west could keep the Chargers a heavy favorite with or without Melvin Gordon in the backfield.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are always mentioned in these trade or signing articles. It’s because they have the money to do whatever they want in free agency. Indianapolis currently has the highest cap space in the NFL with over $45 million available to spend. They also have a need at defensive tackle.
The Colts defensive line wasn’t horrendous by any sense last season. Denico Autry collected nine sacks while Margus Hunt improved into one of the league’s top run defenders. The Colts have young talent in place such as Tyquan Lewis, who is still adjusting to NFL speed. However, with a need and money to spare, an upgrade could send Indy’s defense to one of football’s top units.
Daniels can play in any defense in the NFL. He can also play multiple positions across the defensive line and have the ability to add pressure to the backfield. In a division with two below-average offensive lines, pressuring the quarterback will be essential. Daniels can do that while also limiting the run up the middle.
Indy has the money. They have the need. They want to win. Chris Ballard, call Daniels and claim the AFC South immediately.
Cole Thompson is the Lead NFL writer for Pro Football Network. Follow him on Twitter at @MrColeThompson.