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2015 NFL Free Agency: New Homes For Tony McDaniel

By Erik Lambert

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Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (99) reacts after a play aNew England Patriots during the third quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

A team can never have enough good defensive linemen, especially ones with valuable experience.  Tony McDaniel is only 30-years old but in just two years helped the Seattle Seahawks reach the Super Bowl twice and win a Lombardi trophy.  Unfortunately the realities of a the salary cap, coupled with a down season in 2014, forced the Seahawks to cut him.

McDaniel was primarily a role player in Seattle, serving as a big defensive tackle (6’7″, 300 lbs) who provided run defense and limited interior pass rush.  In 2013 he posted a +9.1 run defense rating according to Pro Football Focus along with two sacks and 15 pressures on the opposing quarterback.  Though used to a 4-3 scheme, his length signals he might also fit as a 5-technique defensive end in a 3-4.

The opens up the options he has entering 2015 NFL free agency.  Are there any teams that might look to take a chance on him?

Jacksonville Jaguars

Head coach Gus Bradley doesn’t seem to care about the idea of favoritism.  Ever since he left to take over the Jacksonville Jaguars after coordinating the Seahawks defense, he has frequently collected castoffs from his former team in order to provide help to his young, inexperienced roster.  McDaniel would only be the latest.  Besides, the veteran actually spent his first three seasons as a Jaguar, so it would be sort of a homecoming.

Atlanta Falcons

Another former Seattle defensive coordinator has set up shop with the Atlanta Falcons.  Dan Quinn got arguably the best season out of McDaniel in 2013 with 53 tackles and two sacks.  Given how pitiful the Falcons defensive front has been the past few years, there is no harm in them loading up on bodies until they find a combination that works.

Detroit Lions

Trading for Haloti Ngata was a timely plug for the huge hole that opened up in the middle of the Detroit Lions defensive front with the losses of Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley to free agency.  They seem to have confidence in their current depth but that could change as training camp and the preseason continue.  McDaniel is a fit for their system and could add some championship seasoning to their current playoff formula.

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