Packers: Three biggest surprises from first week of training camp
1. Mike Daniels release
Far and away the biggest surprise from training camp came last Wednesday, when the Green Bay Packers released Mike Daniels a day before their first practice. Daniels is now part of the Detroit Lions’ training camp preparing to work in Matt Patricia’s defense. He’ll play against the Packers twice this season, which would’ve been hard to believe two weeks ago.
It’s disappointing to see such a talented player leave the team and the Packers not receive anything in return. While I don’t agree releasing Daniels was the right move — especially with the benefit of hindsight now he’s playing for a division rival — the Packers had their reasons for making the move.
The good news is that the Packers still have a ton of talent along the defensive line. Especially with Montravius Adams stepping up in the first week of training camp. Kenny Clark is a star, and Dean Lowry just signed a contract extension. Rookie Rashan Gary and new signing Za’Darius Smith could also line up along the defensive line.
The talent on the roster isn’t the issue, but losing a great player to a division rival is tough. Even with the extra cap space they’ve saved and can roll over to 2020.
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But no matter whether you believe releasing Daniels was the right move, a mistake, or whether you’re somewhere in between, what I’m sure we can all agree on is that the news came as a huge surprise last Wednesday.