The Green Bay Packers have just about finished finalizing their coaching staff for the 2026 NFL season. They had to make multiple changes following defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley being hired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. As many expected, he took numerous Packers coaches with him.
Hafley’s hire in Miami, of course, followed former Green Bay executive Jon Eric-Sullivan being hired as the new Dolphins general manager. And now that they have filled out Hafley’s staff, Eric-Sullivan is turning his attention to Miami’s roster.
On Monday, he made a series of high-profile cuts to the Dolphins roster, and one of them could end up benefiting the Packers this year.
The Green Bay Packers could sign offensive lineman James Daniels
Nov 12, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels (78) takes the field against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest name that Eric-Sullivan cut from the Miami roster on Monday was All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill. However, he also made other cost-conscious cuts, including offensive lineman James Daniels.
The #Dolphins have also informed WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and G James Daniels that they are being released. https://t.co/NgjJ9KPM9Q pic.twitter.com/Hf4uxWpr7v
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 16, 2026
The Packers, of course, are going to need to make several additions on their own offensive line. Sean Rhyan is going to be a free agent when the new league year begins, and Elgton Jenkins is expected to be a salary cap casualty.
Rasheed Walker is set to be a free agent as well, but Green Bay already his replacement in 2024 first round pick Jordan Morgan.
There are, however, many who believe the Packers need to improve their interior offensive line. With Rhyan and Jenkins likely not returning, they will be in the market for a new center and, possibly, a right guard.
And this is where Daniels comes in. He has played both guard and center during his eight-year NFL career, which theoretically makes him a possible free agent target for Green Bay.
The problem, though, is that he has played just five games over the last two seasons. Daniels suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week One last year and needed season-ended surgery to repair it.
That being said, at 28 years old, he is an established veteran that could provide depth at a position of need in Green Bay. If the price is right, the Packers may be able to sign him and give him a shot on a prove-it deal. Most importantly, he would not count in the compensatory pick formula, so Green Bay would not lose any comp picks by signing him.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at@theotherRobin19 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!