Chris Jones speaks out after Chiefs' Mike Danna cut news
Getty
Kansas City Chiefs superstar Chris Jones.
The Kansas City Chiefs abruptly announced the release of veteran defensive lineman Mike Danna ahead of NFL free agency, and the news sparked a reaction from superstar Chris Jones on February 24.
“@M_Danna4 my brotha! 🤞🏾🫂” Jones posted on X, tagging Danna’s account.
He did this in a quote post that also shared the Chiefs’ social media tribute for Danna.
“@M_Danna4 made some plays we’ll never forget 💪,” the KC social media team wrote. Sharing a compilation video of some of Danna’s best highlights with the Chiefs.
Remembering Chiefs DE Mike Danna Amid News of Pre-NFL Free Agency Release
Chiefs release Mike Danna before NFL free agency
GettyKansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones (#95) with former teammate Mike Danna (#51) in 2024.
Fifth-round draft picks don’t always contribute at the NFL level, but Danna was a great fifth-round selection in 2020.
After starting as a rotational cog in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive system, Danna quickly displayed traits that the Chiefs gravitate toward. For starters, he was a very versatile player who could line up at DE or DT, depending on the situation.
Danna was also a plus run defender early in his career, despite lacking explosiveness as a pass rusher.
After transitioning to a full-time starter role in the final year of his rookie deal, the Chiefs offered Danna a $24 million extension. This deal averaged $8 million per year, but only ended up lasting two seasons.
By the end of his Kansas City tenure, Danna appeared in 87 regular season games, starting 49 of them. He racked up 21.5 sacks, with 25 total tackles for a loss, 51 QB hits, 6 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 6 passes defended.
Danna also helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowl titles, earning two championship rings for his contributions. He appeared in 16 playoff outings, starting 7 of them, with 2.0 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss, 8 QB hits, and 1 forced fumble.
At the end of the day, Danna will likely be remembered fondly by most, including his teammates. He was a grinder and a hard worker who rarely dominated the headlines, but did his job more often than not. That earns the respect of a fanbase and a player like Jones.
Chris Jones Understands the NFL Is a Business
Despite Jones’ social media shout-out, the superstar knows and understands that the NFL is a business. In fact, Jones’ $31.75 million salary is a big part of why the Chiefs must cut a player like Danna.
Much of the KC cap space is currently dedicated to a handful of players. Jones is one of them, along with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, offensive linemen Jawaan Taylor (cut candidate), Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey, and linebacker Nick Bolton.
When that happens, NFL front offices must find creative ways to fill out the remainder of the roster, and that means having younger players step into roles like Danna’s.
The Chiefs drafted Ashton Gillotte and Omarr Norman-Lott to help fill out the defensive line in 2025. And it wouldn’t be surprising if general manager Brett Veach dedicated another draft pick or two to the cause in 2026.
There are several edge rushers and interior defensive linemen at the top of this draft class, so that could be the route Veach goes at No. 9 overall. If not, they could bulk the D-line on day two.
Along with the draft, expect the Chiefs to go bargain-hunting for defensive line depth behind Jones and George Karlaftis in NFL free agency.