The Pittsburgh SteelersThey have signed a $36.5 million, three-year contract Chicago BearsGuard James DanielsAccording to a source, the information was provided by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Aside from a deal with the quarterback Mitchell TrubiskySteelers have been focusing on the offensive lines during the free-agent negotiation period. They also agreed to re-sign right tackle Chukwuma OkoraforAdding center Mason ColeThis is also available for three-year contracts.
Daniels, who turns 25 this September, was drafted by Chicago 39th overall in 2018. He has played in 48 games. Daniels began his NFL career primarily playing left guard. He was then drafted by Chicago in the 39th round. In 2021, he will be the Bears’ starting center. He has also played at center during the 2019 season, and his last two years at Iowa.
Daniels’ interior flexibility and positional versatility helped him become a productive player for Chicago. Daniels was limited to just five games in 2020 by a pectoral injury. He returned to health in 2021 and played all 17 games at right-guard, posting the highest pass blocking and run blocking grades in his career according to Pro Football Focus.
Chicago’s offensive line was still a problem in 2021. PFF reports that the Bears were 25th in team pass blocking grade when rookie quarterback was at the helm. Justin FieldsAt 42.8%, this was the second highest rate of pressured drops backs in the NFL.
This report was contributed by Courtney Cronin, ESPN.