The Green Bay Packers released defensive tackle Mike Daniels and the Dallas Cowboys would be smart to kick the tires on the veteran defender
With training camps getting underway around the NFL, teams are starting to make some last-second changes to their rosters. The Dallas Cowboys did this on Tuesday when it was announced they were releasing Allen Hurns in a cap-saving move.
Now, they could benefit from another team making a similar move as the Green Bay Packers let Mike Daniels know on Wednesday that they will be terminating his contract. His release is a bit shocking even though it will save the Packers roughly $8 million, but what isn’t surprising is the fact that numerous teams are already being linked to the 30-year old defensive lineman.
One of the teams who could be interested is the Cowboys, who have a need at the position.
According to Mike Clay of ESPN, they make about as much sense as anyone, although he also lists several other teams that could come calling.
Cowboys and Chargers stand out as contenders with a big need at DT that could be a fit for Mike Daniels. Saints are interesting with Sheldon Rankins injured. Ravens and Browns were very interested in Gerald McCoy.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) July 24, 2019
Daniels, a fourth-round pick out of Iowa in 2012, has started 72 of 102 games played in his career for the Packers. He’s known as a strong run defender, but he’s also no slouch in the passing game. During his seven seasons in Green Bay, Daniels recorded 29 sacks, boasting a career-high of 6.5 in 2013.
The veteran missed six games in 2018 due to a foot injury but there’s no indication that the injury had anything to do with Green Bay moving on.
As for the Cowboys, defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli loves to utilize multiple defensive tackles on his line and a player like Daniels would surely appeal to him. He would give them their most accomplished player in the interior and would serve as a mentor to young players such as Trysten Hill and Antwaun Woods.
The Cowboys have made no indication that they will go after Daniels, but doing so would be a smart move. In 2018, they had a borderline elite defense, which was accomplished with a defensive line that featured DeMarcus Lawrence as the lone star.
In 2019, they have already added Robert Quinn as a second defensive end. Placing Daniels on the line with those two would give them a potentially elite line which could make them favorites to repeat in the NFC East.