UPDATE: Pittsburgh Steelers could lose starting guard to AFC North rival

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem content to let starting guard James Daniels walk in free agency. They told him before the season that negotiations would not happen, and on top of that, a torn Achilles tendon knocked Daniels out for the rest of the season.

The health-related questions add an entirely new layer to the discussion and might make it slightly likelier for Daniels to return.

However, it is far likelier. Daniels will head to a new team. So, where could that be? Matt Bowen of ESPN looks at the Steelers’ AFC North rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, and believes Daniels could help them out significantly.

“Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked 48 times last season, and the Bengals must upgrade at guard,” Bowen wrote Tuesday. “Daniels tore his Achilles in Week 4, but he provides run-blocking upside when healthy. From Weeks 1 to 4, Daniels’ run block win rate of 82.7% ranked second among guards behind the Colts’ Quenton Nelson.”

Daniels came over from the Chicago Bears as a guard with upside that had still not completely figured things out. Now, he will have a chance to revitalize his career once again with another stop, but when he can return from his Achilles injury will inform the timeline of his decision.

Too many teams need help along the offensive line, especially their interior, so even with the injury, Daniels should have a healthy market.