“Every new platoon deserves an old hand.”
The Steelers turned over 4/5’s of their offensive line in 2021 and the and inexperienced unit struggled. In his last free agent campaign, Kevin Colbert made it his business to change that.
- He went out and brought an old hand to Pittsburgh.
Well, James Daniels was only 25, so that hardly classifies him as “old.” But he did have 48 starts under his belt with a total of 54 NFL games of experience, which is probably more than the combined experience of the rest of the returning members of the offensive line.
Now that his three year contract is over, the question is will he get a second contract to stay in Pittsburgh.
James Daniels at Acrisure Stadium. Photo Credit: Kylee Surike, PennLive.com
Profile of James Daniels’ Steelers Career
James Daniels arrived and immediately took over the starting right guard position. He held that down throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The offensive line got off to slow starts in both seasons, but James Daniels was clearly one of the unit’s strengths.
His leadership was also apparent, as he helped protect Kenny Pickett from cheap shots in his first start against the Bills.
Although James Daniels entered 2024 as the Steelers starter at left guard, Omar Khan opted not to offer him a contract extension. Daniels was playing well and providing a source of stability as injuries ravaged the offensive line early in the season when he tore his Achilles early in the Steelers loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Case for the Steelers Resigning James Daniels
Mason McCormick did well by all accounts when he took over for Daniels, but the offensive line clearly missed his presence. At age 27, he’s already got 84 starts under his belt, and the Steelers already need to think of Isaac Seumalo who was injured last year and is entering the final year of his contract.
The reality is that coming of an Achilles injury, Daniels may not even be able to pass an NFL physical at this point. Assuming he crosses that threshold at some point this spring, the Steelers have a chance to ink him at an ultra-team friendly deal, let him start the season on the PUP list, and work him in during the year.
Then in 2026 when Seumalo becomes a free agent, they can move McCormick to his natural left side and slide Daniels in on the right.
The Case Against the Steelers Resigning James Daniels
James Daniels certainly was an upgrade from Trai Turner, but who would have been? He was a good offensive guard and offered some position flexibility, but he was never going to be one of those bruising, people-moving offensive lineman that the Philadelphia Eagles have.
The Steelers would be better off using their salary cap dollars and the roster spot at finding someone who projects in that direction.
Curtain’s Call on the Steelers and James Daniels
Omar Khan showed good instincts by not extending Daniels’ contract last summer. And you have to figure, if there wasn’t interest in doing a new deal for them then, how much is there going to be now that he’s coming off an Achilles injury?
It is possible that if Daniels gets no interest elsewhere, the Steelers could bring him back in the summer on a veteran-minimum deal.
But barring that, expect Daniels to find is NFL future outside of Pittsburgh.
