Chiefs release DE Mike Danna as roster overhaul creates cap savings
The Kansas City Chiefs have released defensive end mike danna as they begin remaking the roster for the 2026 season, a move that clears more than $8. 9 million in salary cap space while leaving just over $2. 16 million in dead money.
Mike Danna released by Chiefs
The team posted a public thank-you message to Mike Danna and multiple confirmations of his release followed. Danna was scheduled to enter the final year of the three-year contract he signed in 2024; the deal was worth up to $24 million. His departure comes as the club addresses significant financial hurdles and roster needs heading into 2026.
mike danna contract and cap
Danna's release produces a near-term payroll effect that matches prior projections: freeing over $8. 9 million against the cap while creating roughly $2. 16 million in dead money. Earlier coverage noted his cap hit coming into 2026 was about $11 million, which made him one of the higher-cost rotational defenders on the roster. That cost figure and the structure of his extension were central to his status as a likely roster casualty.
Production trends and career totals
On-field performance provides context for the move. Danna rose to prominence in 2023 with 6. 5 sacks and 47 quarterback pressures in 16 starts; that season preceded the three-year extension he signed in 2024. Snap rates fell in each of the following seasons: roughly 74% in 2023, 58% in 2024, and 42% in 2025. Across his tenure with the franchise, Danna appeared in 87 regular-season games and 16 postseason games, recording 221 tackles, 23. 5 sacks, one interception and seven forced fumbles.
Potential interest and roster context
Commentary ahead of the move identified Danna as a cut candidate who could draw interest from teams looking for veteran edge depth, with the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions among clubs mentioned as possible suitors. Evaluations framed him as a former starter who remains capable as a rotational pass rusher and veteran depth piece, rather than a long-term starting solution.
Forward look for Kansas City
The cap relief created by Danna's release provides predictable short-term flexibility as the Chiefs reshape the roster after a difficult season. The club is already committed to certain outside starters and has younger options returning from promising starts and injuries, and the cleared space could be used to pursue internal upgrades, free-agent additions or draft targets at edge rusher. With other veterans likely to be evaluated for cost versus on-field impact, this move signals a broader roster reset tied to both finances and playing-time trends.
Key takeaways
- Mike Danna has been released, clearing over $8. 9M and creating roughly $2. 16M in dead money.
- His three-year extension signed in 2024 was worth up to $24M; snap share and production declined after a 2023 peak.
- The move could draw interest from NFC contending teams seeking experienced rotational edge depth while giving Kansas City cap space for roster adjustments.
