The Kansas City Chiefs may be considering parting ways with edge rusher Mike Danna this offseason, according to FOX Sports’ Greg Auman. Danna has emerged as a top candidate for release, with the potential for the Chiefs to save nearly $9 million by moving on from the veteran defensive player.
Auman pointed out that Danna’s trajectory has shifted significantly—from an overachieving fifth-round pick to what many now view as an overpaid veteran. With only $2 million in dead cap associated with the decision, the Chiefs face a compelling financial choice. “You can’t pay $8 million for a player barely giving rotational production,” Auman noted.
Danna’s 2023 season saw him score notable success, recording 6.5 sacks and producing 47 quarterback pressures over the course of 16 games, which led to a three-year contract extension worth $24 million. However, his performance over the past two years suggests a decline, causing concerns about his ability to continue as a starting-level pass rusher for Kansas City.
Should the Chiefs decide to release Danna, several teams could show interest, particularly the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions. Each of these franchises has immediate needs along their defensive lines. The 49ers, for instance, are looking for a strong addition to pair with Nick Bosa, while the Packers may soon need to fill the void left by Rashan Gary. The Lions are also in a similar situation, facing the possibility of losing Al-Quadin Muhammad to free agency following his breakout performance in 2025, where he amassed 11 sacks.
While Danna might not single-handedly resolve the defensive line challenges for the 49ers, Packers, or Lions, he brings valuable veteran experience and could function effectively as a rotational pass rusher, thereby enhancing the depth of defenses for these NFC contenders. The potential for Danna to find a new role illustrates the dynamic changes that can occur in the league as teams look to strengthen their rosters.