Backup quarterback Chase Daniel is the latest Lions player heading out of Detroit. The team is releasing the veteran after one season, according to a report from Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network.
Daniel, 34, signed a three-year, $13.1 million contract at the beginning of the 2020 free agency period to become Matthew Stafford’s new backup. The deal included a $2.25 million signing bonus. Cutting Daniel saves the Lions some considerable cap room for 2021. While swallowing some dead money with his bonuses, the Lions still free up $2.3 million in cap space. If Daniel is designated as a post-June 1st cut, the number jumps to $3 million.
Daniel playing sparingly in four games in Detroit, completing 29 of his 43 pass attempts for 264 yards. He threw one TD and two INTs. The team has been trying to trade Daniel but found no takers.
Dumping Daniel leaves just Jared Goff–once the trade is finalized next week–and David Blough on the Lions roster at quarterback.
