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Late Friday afternoon the Detroit Lions made some incredible news: Per Adam Schefter, they are closing in on a deal for defensive tackle Mike Daniels. Earlier this week, Green Bay made the seven-year veteran a cap casualty, and Detroit was eager to jump on its rival’s missteps. At this time, no contract details have been released.
Daniels made the Pro Bowl in 2017 and has an impressive body of work. He did miss the final six games of 2018, but he had sat out just four games total in the prior six seasons. When healthy, few linemen have been more impactful than Daniels.
Despite somewhat of a down year last season by his standards, Daniels has performed at a high level for multiple seasons in Green Bay.
— PFF (@PFF) July 24, 2019
He's generated the 8th-best pass-rush grade at either head up or shaded on the guards during the last four seasons at 86.3.
With Damon Harrison, A’Shawn Robinson, and Da’Shawn Hand already on board, Daniels joins a loaded interior of the defensive line. Mansur broke down the potential signing on Wednesday, highlighting how much of a win this addition would be:
Assuming Daniels is healthy, he is the perfect land for Detroit’s defensive front. This Lions defense loves smaller defensive ends who are great with their hands and can defend well against the run. He is versatile as well, as he has the ability to play at both 3-tech and nose tackle.
Head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn have been committed to shoring up this area of the roster, and signing Daniels reaffirms that desire. Doesn’t hurt to stick it to a division rival, either.
UPDATE: Schefter has the contract terms, and it’s a pretty hefty one-year deal:
Former Packers’ Pro Bowl Mike Daniels officially signed a one-year, $9.1 million deal that includes $7.8 million fully guaranteed with the Detroit Lions, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2019