The Green Bay Packers released Mike Daniels earlier this week, and now, it looks like the defensive lineman will be joining a division rival. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Daniels is finalizing a deal with the Detroit Lions.
Daniels is coming off of a 2018 campaign in which he played just 10 games due to a foot injury that would ultimately require surgery. During the time he was on the field, he logged 18 tackles and a couple of sacks.
The 30-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Iowa, was originally selected by the Packers in the fourth round (132nd pick overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He appeared in 14 contests during his rookie year, totaling 12 tackles, a pair of sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown. Daniels then showed marked improvement the following season, registering 28 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
The Stratford, N.J. native was then promoted to a full-time starting role in 2014, recording 47 tackles and 5.5 sacks. After a couple of more similar seasons in 2015 and 2016, Daniels went on to make the Pro Bowl in 2017, posting 49 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble.
Prior to 2018, Daniels had missed just four games during his NFL career, so as long as he is fully recovered from his foot injury, the Lions could be getting a pretty durable, productive lineman to add to their defensive front.
Detroit won just six games this past season and finished last in the NFC North, marking its first last-place finish since 2012 when it went 4-12.
The Lions have made just three playoff appearances since 2000.
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