Packers won’t be re-signing defensive tackle Mike Daniels

Former Packers defensive tackle Mike Daniels is signing with the Bengals.

Considering the Green Bay Packers‘ struggles to stop the run last season, and the lack of moves they’ve made to address the problem this year, bringing back Mike Daniels would’ve made a lot of sense.

Many Packers fans, myself included, were hoping Daniels would be re-signed this summer to help strengthen the defense.

But that’s no longer a possibility. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Daniels is signing a one-year deal worth $2.7 million with the Cincinnati Bengals. While it’s disappointing Daniels won’t be lining up next to the Smith Bros. and Kenny Clark this season, it’s great to see him get another opportunity.

Daniels was a surprise cut by the Packers last summer before the start of the 2019 season, so perhaps it was wishful thinking that GM Brian Gutekunst would look to bring him back.

So, what have the Packers done at defensive tackle this offseason?

Surprisingly, not a lot.

Of the seven defensive linemen currently on Green Bay’s roster, only two weren’t with the team last season: free-agent addition Treyvon Hester and undrafted free agent Willington Previlon.

Of course, we know how talented Kenny Clark is. But the Packers are putting a lot of faith in Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster, and Montravius Adams. They need at least one of them to step up and play a lot better in 2020.

They will also be hoping Kingsley Keke can make a second-year jump. Keke was a fifth-round pick last year. According to Pro Football Reference, Keke only played on nine percent of the defensive snaps last season. But there’s a good chance he’ll see an increased role in 2020.

So, yes, the Packers’ defensive line has the potential to be a lot better this season with the development of young players. But bringing back Daniels could’ve helped this defense get better.