Detroit Lions: Evaluating the 2019 Free Agent Class

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Danny Amendola #80 of the Detroit Lions reacts after scoring a 47 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Lions and Cardinals tied 27-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Mike Daniels

Position: Defensive Tackle

Age: 30

Contract terms: Signed through 2019, $7.8 million

2019 statistics through 15 games: 1.0 sack, 10 tackles

Analysis: Wow, what a miss. Did anyone think that they’d be saying that in December after the Lions coaxed the veteran Daniels away from a large group of suitors after his surprising release by the Green Bay Packers?

Daniels enjoyed an excellent seven-year run with the Lions’ divisional rivals before a foot injury prompted the Packers to sever ties. His acquisition seemed to be another tantalizing addition to a defensive line that many thought could be one of the league’s best. It never materialized.

Injuries were a contributing factor, as Daniels has appeared in just 9 games, and he has played over 50 percent of the Lions’ defensive snaps in just one game this year. When in the game, he has been largely ineffective, somewhat emblematic of the unit as a whole.

Credit the Lions for taking a swing on a proven player, and for landing him when nearly half the league was interested in his services. Credit them also for signing him for just one season; it seems very likely that the Lions will move on from Daniels come next year.

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