Chiefs Cut Ties With Two-Time Super Bowl Champion

Longtime defensive player Mike Danna released ahead of free agency

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:52pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs have decided to part ways with defensive player Mike Danna, who spent his entire 6-year NFL career with the team. Danna, a two-time Super Bowl champion, was a rotational defensive end who had become a regular starter for the Chiefs over the past three seasons.

Why it matters

The move frees up $8.9 million in cap space for the Chiefs, who are dealing with some salary cap issues. However, it also means the team will be relying more on their depth at defensive end rather than retaining the experienced veteran who was familiar with their defensive scheme.

The details

Danna was originally drafted by the Chiefs in the 5th round in 2020. Over his 6 seasons with the team, he appeared in 87 regular season games, starting 49 of them. He recorded 21.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 194 combined tackles. The Chiefs are parting ways with Danna despite him being in the final year of a 3-year, $24 million contract extension.

  • Danna has spent his entire 6-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs since being drafted in 2020.

The players

Mike Danna

A defensive player who spent 6 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning 2 Super Bowls with the team. He was a rotational defensive end who became a regular starter over the past 3 years.

Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL team that drafted and employed Mike Danna for 6 seasons, winning 2 Super Bowls during his tenure.

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What’s next

The Chiefs will need to find a replacement for Danna's production on the defensive line as they head into free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

This move by the Chiefs highlights the tough decisions teams have to make when managing their salary cap, even with productive players like Danna who have been integral parts of their Super Bowl-winning teams.