The Kansas City Chiefs may decide to part ways with defensive end Mike Danna during the upcoming offseason. According to FOX Sports reporter Greg Auman, Danna stands out as the most likely release candidate on Kansas City’s roster. Letting him go would reportedly free up close to $9 million in cap space, while leaving behind only about $2 million in dead money—making the move financially appealing for the franchise.

Auman suggested that Danna’s career with the Chiefs has come full circle. Once viewed as a value pick who outperformed expectations after being selected in the fifth round, he is now considered expensive relative to his recent production. Paying roughly $8 million for what has become rotational output is difficult to justify, especially for a team that must carefully manage its salary cap.

Danna earned recognition in 2023 when he recorded 6.5 sacks and generated 47 quarterback pressures across 16 starts. That performance helped secure him a three-year, $24 million extension. Since then, however, his effectiveness has declined, and he no longer projects as a reliable starting pass rusher in Kansas City’s defense.

Should the Chiefs release him, several NFC contenders could explore signing him. The San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions each have question marks along the edge. San Francisco could use more support opposite Nick Bosa, while Green Bay might be preparing for a potential transition involving Rashan Gary. Meanwhile, Detroit could see Al-Quadin Muhammad depart in free agency after a strong 2025 campaign.

Although Danna would not single-handedly solve defensive line concerns for any of those teams, his experience—including two Super Bowl titles—and ability to contribute in a rotational role could make him an appealing depth addition for a contender looking to strengthen its pass-rush rotation.