Packers must now face Mike Daniels twice a season

Mike Daniels is reportedly signing with the Detroit Lions, which is bad news for the Green Bay Packers.

Releasing Mike Daniels took everyone by surprise, but it was met with mixed responses from Green Bay Packers fans.

Of course, in any situation, there are pros and cons. The Packers had their reasons for making the move — Daniels’ recent injury history, and also a large cap hit that could be used to re-sign other upcoming free agents in the near future. Not to mention, the Packers feel good about their defensive line depth, as they should.

Equally, there are many reasons why it was a bad move, which I detailed immediately after the news was reported.

One of the biggest issues I had with the move is that for all of the money saved, the Packers decided to cut one of their best defensive players. And a leader. Not only that, it meant another team would benefit.

And that team is the Detroit Lions. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Daniels is signing with the Packers’ division rivals.

Well, Packers, you didn’t see Daniels fitting into your plans this season. Now you’ll have to deal with him in two games a year against the Lions.

And that will be a daunting task as he joins a defensive line featuring star pass rusher Trey Flowers, All-Pro Damon Harrison and Da’Shawn Hand, who made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2018.

Schefter added that Daniels “received interest from close to a dozen teams”, which comes as no surprise. Daniels still played at a high level before getting injured in 2018. If he can stay healthy, Daniels will have a great year in Detroit.

I can understand the Packers’ reasons for releasing Daniels, but the fact is Green Bay’s defense isn’t as good as it was a week ago, while the Lions have now added more talent to an already strong defensive line.