Chiefs Release Veteran Defensive End Mike Danna in Cap Move
The Kansas City Chiefs have released defensive end Mike Danna after six seasons with the team, the team announced Monday, . The move is designed to create salary cap space as the Chiefs navigate the upcoming free agency period.
The Chiefs posted a message thanking Danna on social media prior to the official announcement, signaling the end of his tenure in Kansas City. Danna was slated to enter the final year of a three-year contract he signed with the team in 2024.
According to the team, releasing Danna will free up approximately $8.9 million in cap space, while incurring $2.167 million in dead money for the 2026 season. The Chiefs have been actively adjusting their salary cap situation, recently restructuring the contract of quarterback Patrick Mahomes to create additional financial flexibility.
Danna joined the Chiefs as a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and quickly became a valuable contributor to the team’s pass rush. Over his six seasons in Kansas City, he appeared in 87 regular season games and 16 postseason contests. He accumulated 221 combined tackles, 23.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and one interception during his time with the organization.
The release of Danna comes as the Chiefs look to address a challenging cap situation. Reports indicate the team entered the 2026 offseason with one of the worst cap situations in the league, even after Mahomes’ contract restructuring. Kansas City is reportedly still over the salary cap threshold, placing them among the teams facing the most significant cap challenges.
The Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2025, ending a long streak of postseason appearances. This unexpected outcome, coupled with Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL and the departure of offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, has created a sense of urgency for the team to improve its roster and return to contention.
While the Chiefs have gained some cap relief through Mahomes’ restructured deal, further moves are anticipated as the NFL Scouting Combine gets underway and free agency approaches. Danna’s release is seen as an early step in a series of roster adjustments aimed at strengthening the team for the 2026 season.
Danna’s departure leaves a void in the Chiefs’ defensive line rotation, and the team will likely explore options in free agency and the draft to fill the position. The Chiefs will need to carefully balance their cap constraints with their need to add talent to compete in a highly competitive AFC.
