Mike Danna: Everything you need to know

The Chiefs released Danna on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The move clears $8.94 million in cap space for Kansas City, as Danna had one year remaining on a three-year, $24 million deal. Danna was a fifth-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2020 NFL Draft and appeared in 87 regular-season games through six seasons, making 49 starts. Across those contests, Danna racked up 194 tackles (96 solo), including 21.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and six pass breakups, along with one interception. He won a pair of Super Bowls with the team but will now be on the lookout for a new landing spot.

Danna ended the 2025 season with 25 tackles (eight solo), including 1.0 sacks, and added one interception over 15 games. Danna ended up playing in two more games than in 2024, yet ended with 2.5 fewer sacks and 16 fewer tackles. This is likely because Danna was playing more snaps in 2024, as the 2025 Chiefs defense saw more rotational play from rookie Ashton Gillotte. If the starting edge rusher cannot increase his impact in 2026, he may lose the starting role to Gillotte and be forced to take a more secondary role in the Chiefs' defense.

Danna recorded three tackles (one solo) including 1.0 sacks and an interception during Monday's 28-7 win versus the Commanders. Danna's interception came in the middle of the first quarter when a screen pass bounced off wideout Deebo Samuel's chest in the red zone, and his sack came late in the third quarter when he ran unblocked right through the middle of Washington's offensive line. He'll be looking to build on Monday's success in Week 9 at Buffalo.