The Arizona Cardinals recently cut offensive lineman Dennis Daley, but a recent report indicates that the veteran will not be a free agent for long. Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the South Carolina product has starting experience at both tackle and guard. While injuries limited him to just three games last season, he started 15 games at left tackle for the Tennessee Titans in 2022, helping to clear rushing lanes for Derrick Henry. According to Christopher Price of The Boston Globe, the New England Patriots are one of “several” teams interested in signing him.
Let’s start with a disclaimer: there is a reason Dennis Daley is a free agent at this point in the offseason. Despite Derrick Henry’s success, Daley is something of a liability as a blocker. According to Pro Football Focus, Daley allowed 12 sacks during the 2022 season and finished the year with an underwhelming 46.1 overall grade. Nobody wants to see Daley in their starting lineup, but beggars can’t be choosers. Given their current depth, the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs could kick the tires on the former Panther, Titan, and Cardinal.
“Several” Teams Interested In Free Agent Dennis Daley
The New Orleans Saints desperately need help throughout the offensive line. Erik McCoy is a reliable center and a healthy version of Taliese Fuaga can hold down the left tackle position, but that’s about it. Starting right tackle Trevor Penning is an active liability, and the Saints guard situation is one of the worst in the league. Having three subpar starters is bad news for any football team, but it’s especially worrisome for New Orleans. Derek Carr is one of the worst quarterbacks in the league against pressure, and the offensive line woes could sink the whole season.
Can Dennis Daley fix the offensive line as a free agent? Probably not. However, he can’t make it much worse. Head coach Dennis Allen will probably lose his job if he can’t turn the ship around in 2024, so he can’t leave any stone unturned. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the reigning division champs and the Atlanta Falcons added a plethora of talent throughout the offseason, so New Orleans has their work cut out for them if they want to make the playoffs for the first time in the post-Drew Brees Era.
Tackle Depth For Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs have arguably the best interior offensive line in football. However, what they lack is clear answers at the tackle position. With seemingly no interest in re-signing Donovan Smith, the Chiefs are having second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia and incumbent Wanya Morris battle for the left tackle position. Jawaan Taylor’s massive contract ensures he’ll start at right tackle, but the former Jaguar had a season to forget in 2023. This team could use some more tackle depth, especially since Lucas Niang could be on the trade block. While he’s far from perfect, Dennis Daley could be a cost-effective free agent signing.
In a perfect world, Dennis Daley will never see the field for the Chiefs. However, the free agent could provide valuable insurance if Taylor continues to disappoint or Suamataia isn’t ready to go as a rookie. Anyone who watched Super Bowl LV knows how important the tackle position can be, and Kansas City can’t afford to have a similar issue as they chase their third Super Bowl in as many seasons.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – USA Today Sports
