The Green Bay Packers are cutting veteran defensive tackle Mike Daniels, as first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Daniels was headed into the final year of his current contract and was due $10.7 million in 2019. The Packers will save roughly $8.3 million in cap space by releasing him, with only a $2.4 million dead-cap hit.
Daniels turned 30 in May.
It’s not surprising general manager Brian Gutekunst elected to release Daniels now, less than 24 hours after defensive lineman Dean Lowry signed a three-year contract extension on Tuesday.
Daniels is coming off a season in which he played the fewest games (10) of his career following a foot injury he suffered in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. He finished 2018 with 18 tackles (10 solo), one tackle for loss, five quarterback hits and two sacks.
The Packers have a deep rotation along the defensive line, headlined by superstar defensive tackle Kenny Clark – who, like Lowry, should receive a contract extension in the near future.
Lowry figures to replace Daniels as a starter, followed by solid depth in Tyler Lancaster, Montravius Adams and rookie Kingsley Keke. Players fighting for a roster spot along the defensive line include Eric Cotton, Fadol Brown, Deon Simon and James Looney.
