By Kevin Patra 2 minutes
The Green Bay Packers made a stunning cut ahead of training camp.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo first reported Wednesday that the Packers are releasing defensive lineman Mike Daniels, per a source informed of the decision.
Green Bay shopped the 2017 Pro Bowler, but couldn't find a trade partner, Garafolo added.
Daniels was due $8.1 million in 2019 in base salary and roster bonuses. The move saves the Packers $8.3 million in cap space this season, per Over The Cap.
The 30-year-old defensive lineman has spent his entire seven-year career with the Packers after being selected in the fourth round of the 2012 draft. When healthy, Daniels has been a bully in the middle of the Packers defense, compiling 29 sacks. The pocket-collapser generated 271 total QB pressures for his career, per Pro Football Focus.
Last season, the first in Mike Pettine's defense, Daniels participated in just 40 percent of the snaps while missing the final six games of the year with a foot injury.
Cutting Daniels comes a day after the Packers signed defensive end Dean Lowry to a three-year extension worth $20.325 million in new money, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.
Given Daniels' ability as a pocket-pusher, he should have no troubles finding a landing spot. Garafolo mentioned the Cleveland Browns -- with the front-office ties to Green Bay and their previous pursuit of Gerald McCoy -- as one possible team that could be interested.
First thing I thought also, re Dorsey might have found his DT he tried to get earlier, when he wanted McCoy, Tampa Bay DT.
The Fan was just playing Dorsey and Freddie's presser. I believe it was the second question in was about Mike Daniels. Dorsey took the question - and his response was impressive.
"You all may not know, but the NFL's daily waiver wire report comes out at 4pm. So, until his name appears on that report - I cannot comment on a player who is i member of the Green Bay Packers."
Well said, John - or not said.
So, as a free agent at 4 pm EDT today...............Mike can play for whoever claims him. Can I take a guess who does claim him? Be right back to let you know. :)
Some background info from 2018 Rotoworld:
Packers placed DL Mike Daniels (foot) on injured reserve.
Daniels was never a good bet to return this season. With the Packers out of the playoffs, he'll be shut down. One of the top interior pass rushers in the league, Daniels is signed through 2019 and should be back at his $10.9 million cap hit. Green Bay activated WR Jake Kumerow in a corresponding move.
Dec 1, 2018, 4:40 PM ET
Ourlads' Profile:
2012 Guide: What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about MIKE DANIELS: Iowa, 6000 291 4.84. Two-year starter who is small and undersized for the position, but is quick and resourceful. An explosive player who plays with leverage and power. Physical inside. Doesn’t stay blocked. Quick enough to split a double team block. Eats up and slips blockers with his quickness. Instinctive in his play. Reads the blocker and can feel the screen. Explosive first step quickness off the ball. Tough to block inside when twisting and on the move. A high motor great effort player. Plays square and with balance. Makes good use of his quick hands. Tough, intense, and focused in his play. Played through an ankle injury in 2011. Will be drafted by a team for a specific role. 2011 stats: 67 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 PBU. Did not work out at the Combine due to shoulder injury. Seventh round/PFA. (A-32 1/2, H-9 5/8, BP-DNP, 10-DNP).
I see he played in a 3/4 as a DE at Green Bay and, I wonder if that would influence the Browns not being interested in Mike. Also, just how healthy is he?
profootballtalk.nbcsports.com
Mike Daniels was released after trade conversations “came apart”
2 minutes
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When news that the Packers were releasing defensive lineman Mike Daniels broke on Wednesday morning, one of the responses was to wonder why the team waited until the start of training camp to make the move.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst was asked about that in a press conference later in the day. Gutekunst didn’t say whether the team discussed a pay cut with the veteran lineman, but did say that attempts to trade him were part of the reason why he remained on the roster as long as he did.
“There’s a few factors involved in that. Mike was rehabbing from a foot injury suffered during the season and I think also there was some — quite frankly there was some trade conversations going on and those kind of came apart the last couple of weeks here and that was part of it,” Gutekunst said, via WBAY.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that the Browns, Chiefs and Patriots were among the teams that spoke to the Packers about a trade and that Daniels has heard from at least seven teams since being released, so it doesn’t look like he’ll be waiting long for a new home.
Browns are up against it again with both Pats and Chiefs, two SB contenders again vying for Mike's services. I'm betting on Patriots of course to win this one......rich get richer.
Great thread, Stabber.
As much as we felt "played" by Gerald McCoy - I think Mike Daniels is a better fit for our defense. Supposedly, his strength is as a pocket pusher, and a run stuffer. That is quite a combo. He primarily plays as a 1 or 3 tech DT, but I know I saw somewhere the Browns were playing him as a 5 tech DT as well.
If the $$ can be worked out, that would be an impressive three man rotation at DT for 2 spots. (Sheldon, Larry, and Mike).
Mr. Daniels -
Crap - signing with the Lions. Chance to get back at GB twice a year.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2846875-report-ex-packers-dt-mike-daniels-finalizing-contract-with-lions-after-release