Mike McCarthy James Daniels
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Steelers Now's Alan Saunders named veteran starting guard James Daniels a potential free agent target for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers received high praise for their additions during the first week of NFL free agency. One area that general manager Omar Khan didn’t address, though, was guard, where the team lost veteran Isaac Seumalo. On Saturday, Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders suggested the team could pursue a reunion with James Daniels to remedy that roster hole.
“A familiar name to Steelers fans, James Daniels was the team’s starting right guard from 2022 to the early part of the 2024 season, when an Achilles injury ended his season and his time in Pittsburgh,” wrote Saunders.
“Last year, he signed with the Miami Dolphins and was their starter at right guard, as well, but just for one week before a torn pectoral muscle ended his season. He was released by Miami in February.
“The Warren, Ohio native was well-liked in the Pittsburgh locker room and could probably be brought back at a significant discount thanks to two straight unlucky injury seasons.”
Daniels will bring 85 games of starter experience to his next NFL organization. With the Steelers from 2022-24, he started 36 contests at right guard.
First-year head coach Mike McCarthy is trying to replace Seumalo, who started for three years at left guard in Pittsburgh.
Besides quarterback, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo referred to guard as Pittsburgh’s biggest roster hole.
According to Spotrac, Daniels has earned $41 million in his eight-year NFL career.
Why Steelers Could Pursue James Daniels
Three factors could attract the Steelers to a Daniels reunion — his experience, familiarity and cost.
Seumalo was Pittsburgh’s only starting offensive lineman older than 25 last year. All those young linemen will return for 2026 with another year of experience. But the Steelers could probably use a savvy starting guard for the group.
Daniels would be that. His three prior seasons in Pittsburgh should give the Steelers an extra comfortable.
Finally, as Saunders explained, Daniels could be a great bargain. He’s coming off back-to-back campaigns of September season-ending injuries.
Spotrac projected Daniels to cost $6.78 million on a 1-year contract.
Why Daniels Might Not Be Ideal Target for Steelers
It’s important to note, though, Daniels will likely be cheap for a reason.
There’s risk to penciling him into the starting lineup next season. Daniels will turn 29 years old in September and has suffered two serious injuries the past two years.
First, he sustained a torn Achilles during Week 4 of 2024, which ended his first Steelers tenure.
Last year, he had a season-ending pectoral injury.
It might be more prudent for the Steelers to add a veteran guard with a cleaner recent bill of health. That’s likely true even if that guard costs more.
Last offseason, the Miami Dolphins signed Daniels to a 3-year, $24 million contract. The team paid him $7.32 million to play one game.
Miami released Daniels this offseason.
The guard started his career as a second-round pick for the Chicago Bears in the 2018 NFL Draft. Chicago selected Daniels at No. 39 overall.
He started 48 games over four years with the Bears. Daniels joined the Steelers on a 3-year, $26.5 million contract during 2022 NFL free agency.