The Kansas City Chiefs have parted ways with veteran defensive end Mike Danna, the team announced on Monday, February 23, 2026. The 28-year-old pass rusher, a key member of Kansas City’s back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams (LVI and LVII), was released after six seasons with the franchise, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Kansas City Chiefs Release Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Mike Danna After Six Seasons
The Chiefs issued a heartfelt thank-you message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Thank you for everything, Mike Danna. Two-time Super Bowl champion, relentless competitor, and a true pro. Wishing you and your family the best in the next chapter. #ChiefsKingdom”
Danna, originally a fifth-round pick (No. 177 overall) by the Chiefs in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Michigan, played an important rotational role on the defensive line throughout his tenure in Kansas City.
Chiefs announced they released veteran DE Mike Danna, with this message: pic.twitter.com/cb0OyKNx26
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2026
Mike Danna’s Career Stats & Contributions with the Chiefs
Seasons with KC: 2020–2025 (6 years)
Games Played: 87
Starts: 49
Career Totals:Sacks: 21.5
Tackles: 194 (96 solo)
Tackles for Loss: 25
Forced Fumbles: 6
Danna was part of the Chiefs’ elite defensive rotation during their dominant run, often spelling starters like Chris Jones and providing consistent pressure and run defense.
Why the Chiefs Released Mike Danna
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The move comes amid Kansas City’s ongoing cap management challenges entering the 2026 offseason. Danna was set to count roughly $7.5 million against the cap in 2026 under his existing deal. Releasing him creates immediate relief and flexibility as the team looks to retain core players and address needs at other positions.
No trade was pursued, and Danna now becomes an unrestricted free agent. At 28, he remains young enough to attract interest from contenders needing pass-rush depth.
Chiefs Offseason Outlook
The release of a two-time Super Bowl champion is a clear sign the Chiefs are prioritizing cap space and roster reshaping after a disappointing 6-11 season in 2025. Key priorities include:
Potential extensions or restructures
Free-agent targets
Draft focus on defense and depth
Fans on social media expressed gratitude for Danna’s contributions while understanding the business side:
“Thank you for two rings, Mike. Wish you the best!”
“Sad to see him go, but cap is cap 🤷♂️”
The Kansas City Chiefs thank Mike Danna for his role in two championships and wish him success in his next chapter.
Chiefs Kingdom: Bittersweet to see Danna go? Where do you think he lands next? Share your thoughts below!
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