The Green Bay Packers are nearly done assembling their coaching staff for the 2026 season, a process that’s taken a few unexpected turns after defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was hired away to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Hafley didn’t leave alone-he brought a handful of Packers assistants with him to South Florida, which left Green Bay with some reshuffling to do.
Hafley’s move to Miami was part of a broader transition for the Dolphins, who also brought in former Packers executive Jon Eric-Sullivan as their new general manager. And now that Hafley’s staff is in place, Eric-Sullivan has turned his focus to the roster-and he wasted no time making waves.
On Monday, the Dolphins made a series of significant roster cuts, including one that could have ripple effects all the way back in Green Bay. Among the players released was All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill, a blockbuster move in its own right.
But the name that might matter more to the Packers? Offensive lineman James Daniels.
Daniels, a versatile interior lineman who has played both guard and center during his eight-year NFL career, was let go in what appears to be a cap-conscious decision. Also released was wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, as Miami begins to reshape its roster under new leadership.
For Green Bay, Daniels’ release comes at an interesting time. The Packers are staring down some tough decisions on their own offensive line. Sean Rhyan is set to hit free agency when the new league year begins, and Elgton Jenkins-one of the team’s most dependable linemen in recent years-is widely expected to be a cap casualty.
Rasheed Walker is also headed for free agency, but the Packers already appear to have his replacement lined up in 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan. The bigger concern lies on the interior, where depth and experience could become issues quickly if both Rhyan and Jenkins depart.
That’s where a player like Daniels becomes intriguing. He’s not just a name on a list-he brings real versatility, having started games at both guard and center throughout his career. That kind of flexibility is gold for a team like Green Bay, which could be looking to stabilize the interior line with proven experience.
Of course, there’s a caveat. Daniels has played just five games over the past two seasons, with a torn pectoral muscle suffered in Week 1 last year sidelining him for the rest of the 2025 campaign. That injury history can’t be ignored, especially when it comes to a position group where durability is often the difference between playoff contention and early exits.
Still, at 28 years old, Daniels isn’t past his prime. He’s a seasoned veteran who could bring leadership and depth to a group that might be undergoing serious turnover. And if Green Bay can land him on a short-term, prove-it deal, the risk could be well worth the potential reward.
There’s also a strategic bonus here: signing Daniels wouldn’t impact the Packers’ compensatory pick formula. That’s a detail that matters for a front office that’s always looking to maximize long-term value while plugging immediate holes.
Bottom line: if the Packers are in the market for a low-risk, high-upside addition to their offensive line, James Daniels is a name to watch. He checks a lot of boxes-versatility, experience, and a potential bargain price tag. And with Green Bay’s interior line possibly in flux, this could be one of those under-the-radar moves that ends up paying off in a big way.