Many of you wanted something bigger. You needed Kevin Colbert to make a bigger splash in free agency. Today, you finally got it. The Pittsburgh Steelers announced they are signing former Chicago Bears’ guard James Daniels to a three-year $36.5 million deal. The former Iowa Hawkeye immediately upgrades the Steelers’ Offensive Line and at just 24 years of age he becomes the anchor they sorely need.
Daniels does not have a plethora of accolades on his resume. No Pro Bowl berths and no all-pro selections but what he does have is experience. Twice in his four-year stint in the Windy City, Daniels did not miss a single snap on offense. His 2020 campaign was limited to just five games after a pectoral injury cost him the rest of his season. That was the only significant injury he’s dealt with in the NFL.
He also fits the Steelers’ most preferred trait which is versatility. He can play any of the positions along the offensive front. As for the immediate future, he will be penciled in at right guard. He’s a very good interior blocker who drives well and gets to the second level efficiently. The last part is something the offense must have. They did not get guys to the linebackers nearly often enough and Daniels helps remedy that.
As a pass blocker, he’s solid but there have been some warts from time to time. Either way, this is a guy who definitely earns his pay by moving people for running backs. If newly acquired Mason Cole is indeed the center then along with Kevin Dotson they could make a young and formidable interior line for the Black and Gold.
For many fans this is still probably not the “big signing” they’ve been waiting for in my book it’s every bit as important as signing Mitch Trubisky. The Steelers had to address this unit and they’ve taken a giant step here in doing that.
Feature image courtesy chicagobears.com
