Packers releasing Pro Bowler Mike Daniels, per report

The Green Bay Packers are reportedly releasing defensive tackle Mike Daniels.

Just a day away from the Green Bay Packers‘ first training camp practice, there is some surprising news. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers are releasing defensive tackle Mike Daniels.

In a move just as surprising as when the Packers cut All-Pro guard Josh Sitton immediately before the start of the 2016 season, this decision by general manager Brian Gutekunst is difficult to understand.

One has to assume cap room had something to do with it. On Tuesday, the Packers announced they had agreed a contract extension with defensive lineman Dean Lowry. So perhaps with Lowry re-signing, the team thought the best move was to free up cap room.

By releasing Daniels, the Packers will save $8.3 million, according to Over The Cap. It will give them more financial flexibility should they decide to offer new contracts to key players later this season. Blake Martinez, Kyler Fackrell and Bryan Bulaga are all free agents next year.

Daniels, too, was set to become a free agent in the spring, so the Packers have made a decision to save cap room now and not have one of their best defensive linemen on the roster for 2019.

Daniels has been a great part of Green Bay’s defense for many years. In seven seasons, Daniels has made 236 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 29 sacks, 68 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, one interception, and one defensive touchdown.

Even when Green Bay’s defense has struggled, Daniels has played at a high level, and he was a Pro Bowler in the 2017 season.

What are your thoughts on Green Bay’s decision to release Daniels? Leave a comment below.