Hitting free agency after an early-season Achilles tear, James Daniels still found a decent market. Rather than accept a “prove it” deal, the three-year Steelers starter is heading to Miami on a multiyear pact.
The Dolphins are signing Daniels, per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero. It is a three-year, $24MM deal, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. This comes in just south of Daniels’ Steelers contract, but the seven-year veteran is coming off a major injury.
Daniels, 27, is a seven-year starter and a former second-round pick. The Bears let Daniels walk after four seasons, but as the Iowa product entered the NFL at 21, he remained a viable commodity into a second free agency period. While Daniels could have potentially rivaled where Aaron Banks went with the Packers earlier today had he stayed healthy, the Achilles tear provided a setback.
The Steelers had effectively let Daniels know ahead of time no extension was coming, but the previously durable guard had started off his contract year well. Daniels exited the Steelers’ Week 4 loss as Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked guard. While plenty of season remained, Daniels had missed just two starts from 2021-23. Daniels finished ninth in pass block win rate in 2022 and was second only to Colts dynamo Quenton Nelson in run block win rate before going down last season. Pro Football Focus ranked Daniels 33rd among guard regulars in 2023.
The Steelers have retained Isaac Seumalo in his contract year and saw Mason McCormick impress in Daniels’ place last season. The Dolphins, however, saw both their starting guards from last season — Liam Eichenberg and Robert Jones — hit the market. Jones has since committed to the Cowboys on a one-year deal. Daniels will bring considerably more experience (84 career starts) and could be vital for a team expected to lose Terron Armstead to retirement.
Seems like a very worthwhile gamble.
Very happy for James. He was excellent for the Steelers pre-injury and seemed like a solid guy and teammate. I’m glad he’s getting paid and wish him well.