Packers may benefit from former ally’s roster cut spree, and unsurprisingly it has zero connection to Tyreek Hill
James Daniels would be an interesting addition.
Former Green Bay Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan isn’t missing time to build his version of the Miami Dolphins. The new general manager in Miami released several players — wide receiver Tyreek Hill is the most notable one, but the list also includes edge defender Bradley Chubb, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and guard James Daniels.
There’s zero chance the Packers would sign Tyreek Hill at this point, and Chubb isn’t the player he once was anymore. But Daniels could be a realistic target for the Packers.
Why James Daniels could make sense for the Packers
Daniels barely played in 2025 because of a pectoral injury right after signing a three-year contract with the Dolphins. He was set to make $7 million in 2026, and for a team wanting to rebuild and invest in the offensive line via the draft, Sullivan had an easy decision to make.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean an executive from a similar background couldn’t take advantage of it. General manager Brian Gutekunst evaluates offensive linemen with a similar perspective to Sullivan, but the Packers are on a very different timeline than the Dolphins. More than that, the Dolphins had to get rid of that contract, while Green Bay would sign a cheaper deal.
A year ago, Daniels signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Dolphins coming off a career year for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, the situation is different in Miami, and Daniels hits the market inevitably devalued.
The Packers have two starting-level offensive linemen hitting free agency in left tackle Rasheed Walker and center Sean Rhyan. Moreover, center Elgton Jenkins is a strong cut candidate, and Jordan Morgan is expected to move to LT on a full-time basis, making the need to add interior offensive linemen more obvious.
Throughout his NFL career, James Daniels has had 3,437 offensive snaps at right guard, 1,626 at left guard, and 508 at center. His versatility to play all three positions on the interior is perfect for what the Packers need — a solid backup who could start here and there for a reasonable price.
Despite losing the 2025 season with an injury, it wasn’t a serious enough issue to risk his participation in 2026.
For a team wanting to keep as much draft capital as possible, signing a veteran who wouldn’t affect the compensatory pick formula is the perfect way to add depth without compromising the team’s resources.
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