Mike Danna has long been a player who has defied the odds, surviving skepticism since his selection as a fifth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2020 NFL Draft. Initially viewed as a potential undrafted free agent, Danna emerged as a vital piece of the Chiefs’ defense over the past six seasons. However, with the team facing significant financial challenges as they look toward the 2026 season, Danna’s future with the franchise is now uncertain.
After a disappointing 6-11 season, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is preparing to make difficult roster decisions to create necessary cap space. Danna, who is entering the final year of a lucrative three-year extension worth up to $24 million signed in 2024, carries a cap hit of $11 million in 2026—making him one of the higher-paid players on the roster. Given that his role as a rotational defensive end may not justify such a steep price, he has become a potential candidate for release.
In recent seasons, Danna’s playing time has been on the decline. In 2023, he played a significant role, participating in 74 percent of snaps, but that number dropped to 58 percent in 2024 and further declined to just 42 percent in 2025. With his increasing financial burden coinciding with less on-field impact, it appears the team may consider other options.
The Chiefs have invested in George Karlaftis as a long-term starter while Ashton Gillotte showed promise during his rookie year. However, Charles Omenihu is set to become a free agent, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah’s development was hampered by injury, leaving the team in need of additional depth at the edge rusher position. This lack of depth plays in Danna’s favor, but his high cap hit complicates matters.
While the situation is precarious, there is still hope that general manager Brett Veach could devise a strategy to retain Danna while addressing the team’s broader roster needs. Danna’s journey has been a compelling narrative in Chiefs’ history, and it remains to be seen how he fits into the team’s future plans amidst the looming financial constraints. The upcoming decisions could significantly shape Danna’s career and the Chiefs’ defensive outlook going forward.