The 2025 free agency and legal tampering period is just under a month away, and with the Pittsburgh Steelers boasting a plethora of unsigned starters from the 2024 season, some hearts are bound to be broken. OG James Daniels is one of these players.

In Daniels’ seven-year career—four with the Bears and three with the Steelers—he allowed just six sacks. 2024 was Daniels’ contract year, and he looked to be making the most of his opportunity until he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Declaring the timing of the injury unfortunate would be an understatement, and any fans hoping Daniels gets a second chance to redeem himself with the Pittsburgh Steelers may be disappointed, as insider Gerry Dulac all but dashed those hopes entirely.

Dulac, a reliable source for behind-the-scenes Steelers information, was asked his opinion on the odds of Daniels returning to the Steel City, and he kept it short and sweet: “none.”

Daniels signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent back in 2022 and was arguably one of the best offensive linemen on the Black and Gold roster. Here’s to hoping Daniels finds success wherever his journey may take him.