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Chiefs Release DE Mike Danna to Create $8.9 Million in Cap Space

The cap-clearing move follows last week's Patrick Mahomes restructure, signaling a likely search for edge‑rush reinforcements.

Overview

  • Kansas City announced the release on Feb. 23, a move that frees about $8.94 million while carrying roughly $2.17 million in dead money for 2026.
  • Mike Danna is now a free agent, with multiple outlets suggesting several edge-needy teams could explore adding him as a rotational pass rusher.
  • Danna earned a three-year, $24 million extension off a 6.5-sack 2023 season, but his production declined the past two years, including one sack in 2025.
  • The Chiefs are working toward cap compliance before the March 11 league year and are expected to target pass-rush help in free agency and the draft.
  • Across six seasons in Kansas City, Danna appeared in 87 regular-season games and recorded 21.5 sacks, contributing to two Super Bowl titles.