Steelers starting guard James Daniels has revealed that he plans to play out his contract with the team and reach free agency in 2025. This decision comes after the Steelers informed him that they will not be extending his contract before the upcoming season. Typically, the Steelers do not engage in contract negotiations with players during the season, so Daniels will likely be playing his final year in Pittsburgh in 2024.
Daniels, who is 26 years old, signed a three-year, $26.5 million contract with the Steelers two years ago. He has been a key player for the team, starting in 32 games over the past two seasons. Despite his contributions, the Steelers seem to be focused on making changes to their offensive line.
During the offseason, the Steelers used their draft picks to bolster their offensive line. They selected offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round, center Zach Frazier in the second round, and guard Mason McCormick in the fourth round. These additions indicate that the team is prioritizing the revitalization of their offensive line.
With these new additions and the decision not to extend Daniels’ contract, it is clear that the Steelers are looking to make more changes to their offensive line in the upcoming seasons. Daniels’ plan to play out his contract and test free agency in 2025 shows that he is prepared to explore other opportunities in his career.
As the Steelers continue to make moves to strengthen their team, it will be interesting to see how the offensive line evolves and how Daniels performs in his final year with the team. The upcoming season will be crucial for both Daniels and the Steelers as they work towards their respective goals.