Mike Daniels begins his free agency tour with a stop in Berea, Ohio to visit the Cleveland Browns. The All-Pro defensive tackle was released Wednesday by the Green Bay Packers after attempts to trade him failed.
Daniels would prefer to join a team that is a Super Bowl contender. The Browns are a team on the rise as they open training camp under new head coach Freddie Kitchens. Super Bowl contender might be a stretch in 2019.
The Browns defensive line is impressive on paper with Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi. The only question mark is depth at the position behind the starting four.
Former Packers’ Pro-Bowl DT Mike Daniels first visit is to…the Cleveland Browns, per source. Browns’ front office drafted Daniels in Green Bay. Cleveland also tried to sign DT Gerald McCoy before he opted for Carolina. Browns now on to Daniels.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2019
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General manager John Dorsey continues to work the phones and the waiver wire in search of more depth at all positions. Daniels would bring more veteran and playoff experience to a young Browns team dealing with expectations for the first time in over a decade.
Dorsey and the Browns were in on former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy this off season. McCoy was impressed with the Browns but decided to remain in the NFC South and signed with the Carolina Panthers.
Daniels was in the final year of a 4-year contract extension worth $41 million. The Packers did not want to pay the $10.7 million salary cap hit. The Browns still have over $32 million in available cap space.
The 30-year old Daniels was a fourth round pick of the Packers in the 2012 NFL draft. He has recorded 225 tackles, 29 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and an interception in the regulation. In addition, Daniels has 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks in ten postseason games. Daniels lone Pro Bowl appearance took place in 2017.
Daniels is also very familiar with current members of the Browns organization. He played with linebacker Christian Kirksey at the University of Iowa. Daniels was also drafted by Dorsey and Eliot Wolf.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
