The Kansas City Chiefs and veteran edge rusher Mike Danna appear headed toward a possible split this offseason.

According to FOX Sports analyst Greg Auman, Danna is Kansas City’s most likely salary-cap casualty. Releasing the 28-year-old defender would save the Chiefs nearly $9 million in cap space while resulting in just $2 million in dead money.

“Danna has gone full circle, from overachieving fifth-round pick to overpaid veteran,” Auman said. “You can’t pay $8 million for a player giving you rotational-level production.”

Mike Danna’s Contract and Recent Performance

Danna broke out during the 2023 season, posting 6.5 sacks and 47 quarterback pressures in 16 starts. That performance earned him a three-year, $24 million extension from Kansas City.

However, his production has declined sharply over the past two seasons. Danna is no longer viewed as a reliable starting pass rusher and has struggled to generate consistent pressure off the edge.

Potential Landing Spots: 49ers, Packers, Lions

If the Chiefs release Danna, several NFC contenders could show interest, including the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions.

All three teams have needs along the defensive line:

San Francisco 49ers: Still searching for a reliable edge rusher to pair with Nick Bosa.

Green Bay Packers: May part ways with Rashan Gary, creating an opening at edge rusher.

Detroit Lions: Risk losing Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency after his 11-sack breakout 2025 season.

Role as a Rotational Pass Rusher

While Danna is no longer considered an average starter, he could still serve as an effective rotational pass rusher. His experience and versatility would provide valuable depth for teams competing in the NFC.

Danna would not solve long-term defensive line issues for San Francisco, Green Bay, or Detroit, but the two-time Super Bowl champion could offer leadership, depth, and situational pass-rush help to a playoff contender.

Outlook

With Kansas City looking to maximize cap flexibility, Mike Danna’s future with the Chiefs appears uncertain. If released, he should quickly draw interest from teams in need of veteran edge help, particularly the 49ers, Packers, and Lions.