Former Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Mike Daniels reportedly wanted to play for a contender, but he signed with Detroit instead.
When the Green Bay Packers released defensive lineman Mike Daniels earlier this week, the news surprised pretty much everybody—primarily because of the timing. In the moment, rumors leaked that Daniels wanted to chase the Lombardi Trophy with his next team, which immediately brought teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots to mind. It turns out Daniels had a surprise of his own in store.
After taking an initial visit with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Daniels is reportedly ready to sign with the Detroit Lions, making it clear that the word “contender” means different things if you’ve lived so close to Canada for the last few years.
The Chiefs, Patriots and Browns were all reportedly among teams interested in trading for Daniels in recent weeks before his release, which made them all on the rumored list of suitors in case he were interested in a free agent visit. Mike Garafolo also said 7 teams had reported interest after his release, and the Lions apparently offered the right combination of money, playing time and some unknown incentives.
In all seriousness, playing for the Lions does allow Daniels the chance to play his former employer twice this next year. If he was not expecting his release, then that has to sit well with him to be able to line up across from his former teammates to show the Packers brass that he still has the necessary skills to impact the game. That said, the Lions are about as close to contending for the Super Bowl as an actual Canadian team.
The Lions were expecting defensive tackle Damon Harrison to show up, but the veteran was reportedly ready to hold out for more money earlier this offseason. It will be interesting if Daniels gives the team a bit more leverage with Harrison and how the two will work together. For sure, the Lions are much bigger and bolder up front with Daniels in the mix.