NFL executives believe the Pittsburgh Steelers could end up moving starting guard James Daniels before the beginning of the 2023 season.
Daniels, the Steelers' best-starting lineman a year ago, is expecting an $8.25 million dollar payment before the season to come back as the team's starter. Here is why this idea does (and doesn't) make sense.
Why it does make sense: The Addition of Issac Seumalo
Mitchell Leff
The Steelers' signing of guard Isaac Seumalo came as a shock to many, as he will help revitalize the team's running game in 2023.
Seumalo is a newcomer in Pittsburgh this year signing a three-year $24 million dollar contract with the Steelers in late March. Seumalo adds a smart and tough player to the Steelers' offensive line who can grow in the organization. Seumalo at 29 years old becomes the older player on the Steelers' offensive line and the oldest Steeler on the starting offense. This experience is comforting for a young quarterback like Kenny Pickett and adds a presence to the line that the Steelers went without last season.
Seumalo being a Pro Bowl alternate and a starter on a Super Bowl-caliber offensive line last year adds something to the Steelers offense that Daniels did not when signed a season ago. Some executives think that the best option for Pittsburgh would be to sell high and take advantage of a good season by Daniels last year and cash in at a position that is more needed by the team.
Why it doesn't make sense: A blossoming star in James Daniels
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
James Daniels participates in a blocking drill.
Daniels was a signing in free agency last year to bring young talent to a position that was desperately needed in Pittsburgh. After rough play from players Kendrick Green and Kevin Dotson, the organization knew that growth was needed to make the position younger, and more talented. When signing Daniels, the Steelers accomplished both of those with one player. Daniels signing his $26.5 million dollar deal over three years made him a more expensive option, but an option the Steelers could develop.
At only 25, Daniels has the talent that could turn him into a star after the growth of his role, he started all 17 games for the Steelers in 2022. During the season, he only gave up a half-sack from his guard position. A player that could play at all three spots in the middle of the offensive line is hard to come by. Daniels adds that piece as well as already being in the organization. This could lead us to the Steelers' best choice.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line in 2022.
The Best of Both Worlds: Using Both Players For The Steelers
Using both Seumalo and Daniels on the offensive line would be the best decision moving forward. Combining the experience of Seumalo and the young star ability of Daniels will lead to more rushing lanes open for Najee Harris, and a clean pocket for Pickett. Between both guards, Seumalo and Daniels allowed just 1.5 sacks between the two of them, both starting all 17 games for their respective teams, and Seumalo starting on the Eagles for all playoff games. This duo could sure up the offensive line and add a safety net the Steelers have not felt up front since Hall of Famer Maurkice Pouncey was leading the group.
What do you think the Steelers should do at guard this year? Do you think we should move Daniels this offseason? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.
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