Packers release defensive tackle Mike Daniels

Green Bay saves big money

July 24, 2019 8:22 PM

Kevin Lewis,

Posted: July 24, 2019 8:22 PM

Updated: August 31, 2021 12:29 PM

by Kevin Lewis

Daniels was entering the final year of a four-year contract.
The Packers drafted Daniels in 2012. He had 29 sacks with Green Bay.

Green Bay — The Packers have released veteran defensive tackle Mike Daniels after seven seasons. He was entering the final year of a four-year, $41 million dollar contract.

Green Bay will save more than $8 million in salary and nearly $11 million in total money.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he still thinks Daniels is a really good player, but the team feels good with who they have moving forward.

“Unfortunately that’s part of the business,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “There’s tough decisions that you have to make.”

The move comes as a surprise, as it appeared Daniels would be one of the cornerstones of a new-look Packers defense. But LaFleur said roster decisions don’t come out of nowhere.

“The one thing about [Packers GM Brian Gutekunst] and myself is we’re in constant communication on a daily basis. There’s never a decision that’s made personnel-wise that’s a surprise to me.”

Daniels made the Pro Bowl in 2017, but he missed the final six games of 2018 with a foot injury. He had not participated in any of the Packers offseason workouts.

Green Bay signed defensive tackle Dean Lowry to a three-year extension on Tuesday. They also added free agent Za’Darius Smith and drafted Rashan Gary with their first pick in the draft.