Daniell was discharged from the Navy in late 1945 and spent part of one season playing for the Bears. He was named a second-team All-Pro despite playing only seven games. He signed with the Cleveland Browns in late 1945 as the team, coached by Paul Brown, built up a roster for its first season in the All-America Football Conference. Daniell's salary was $9,000 a year ($ in dollars), plus $1,000 for serving as the Browns' first captain as the team finished the 1946 season with a 12–2 record and earned a spot in the AAFC championship.