The Lions couldn’t find a taker for quarterback Chase Daniel. The backup has been released, along with defensive tackle Danny Shelton (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). 
The Lions kicked off their offseason by trading Matthew Stafford to the Rams for Jared Goff plus draft picks. Daniel, they thought, could have fetched them some later round capital, but no one wanted to take on the remainder of his three-year, $13.05MM deal.
Daniel has hardly played, but coaches still love him as a veteran backup. He has just five career starts under his belt, and just three since the 2014 season. The most recent of those came in a 2019 spot start with Chicago. The Missouri product has also spent time with the Saints, Chiefs, Eagles, and Bears. Now, a team looking to groom a young QB could add Daniel as a mentor.
Shelton — who entered the league as the No. 12 pick in the 2015 draft — never lived up to his draft status, but he’s built a solid career as a run-stuffer. The 345-pound lineman played a key role with the Pats in 2019 and found a home as the Lions starter this past season. Unfortunately, after eleven starts, his season was ended by a knee injury.
Together, the cuts will save the Lions over $4MM with $4.25MM in dead money.
Daniel is a capable backup who can provide adequate relief for a starter for a couple of games if the need arises. He would certainly be an upgrade over Sean Mannion for the 49ers.
Mannion’s the QB2 for the Vikings, and Kirk Cousins doesn’t need a mentor, though Daniel would be an upgrade over a man without a pro TD pass to his name.
The backup QB is the best job in pro sports.
Especially if you’re on a team like GB.
Dolphins and Tua?
How often, once you let the world know that you’re cutting a guy loose, are teams able to successfully find a trade partner? I’d guess that especially with those who aren’t top tier players, the percentage is low…
It depends on the player. If it’s a player you want/need, and worry about competition to sign him on the FA market, then the costs of trading for him should be considered. It probably doesn’t apply to a player like Daniel, but with someone like Zach Ertz, if you want him and don’t want competition (or be forced to overpay), then make a trade for him before he’s released.
Liked Shelton a lot on NE. Wouldn’t be upset to see him wind up back there
Agreed!! He’a a run stopper..
Shelton come home to Seattle.
I can see Shelton coming back to N.E. he would be added depth
LOL, what happened to the “trade interest from multiple teams?” …. same old Lions.
Just a little smoke in our southern door….