The Detroit Lions released veteran tight end Darrell Daniels three weeks after signing him, however one source suggests he may still have a future in the city.
Daniels was signed by the Lions in September and was added to the active roster ahead of their Week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers. He played in three Lions games and was a regular on special teams before being released on October 21 ahead of Detroit’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
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Insider Expects Tight End Role Change
Daniels was initially added to the Lions’ 53-man roster after fullback Jason Cabinda had a knee injury that restricted him in practice and forced him to miss the Packers game. According to Jeremy Reisman of SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit, the Lions may seek to move Daniels into the backfield to fill a hybrid tight end/fullback role, which he has done before in his career.
“While Daniels has predominantly played as a tight end in this league, but in his past 3.5 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals—playing under Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden—he was regularly getting snaps in the backfield,” Reisman said in a statement.
“According to PFF, he played 49 snaps in the backfield in 2021 and 67 in 2020.” He’s also very accomplished on special teams, which will be required to fill Cabinda’s role on gamedays.”
Daniels instead served mostly on special teams for the Lions and may return to that role in the future. According to CBS Sports, if Daniels goes unclaimed, the Lions may seek to re-sign him to their practice squad.
“The veteran tight end appeared in three games for Detroit this season, playing on 85 percent of the team’s special teams snaps before getting released,” according to the article. “Daniels has also spent time with Arizona, Indianapolis and Seattle throughout his seven-year career, and he could very well return to the Lions’ practice squad if he clears waivers.”
Tight End Inexperienced Taking on a Significant Role
Because of the emergency of rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, the Lions likely didn’t have much place for Daniels on offense. He has been an important part of Detroit’s attack, helping to stretch defenses.
LaPorta ranks third in the NFL among rookie tight ends with 325 total yards. His three touchdowns this season are also tied for the most among tight ends.
Former NFL tight end Greg Olsen praised the rookie, praising his ability to get open and stretch defenses.
“Obviously, he’s a young player — he’s a rookie — but when I put on the tape, I see him winning those matchups where the play is not just getting him open by design,” Olsen said in an interview with Fox Sports. “I think that’s an important distinguishing characteristic for a lot of tight ends around the league, which is why there are the [Travis] Kelces of the world.” That is why there [are] other guys, you know — and it doesn’t mean you can’t be productive, it just means you’re relying on a scheme.
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