The Kansas City Chiefs are trying to keep as many important players as they can for the 2024 NFL season. Along with re-signing Chris Jones to a five-year, $158.57 million contract, they also extended Drue Tranquill.
While cornerback L’Jarius Sneed‘s future is uncertain, he’s currently still a Chief under a one-year $19.8 million deal. Regarding former Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna, there’s been no news.
Danna, who was drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft, is expected to receive a three-year, $24.75 million contract in free agency, according to Pro Football Focus. “As a versatile lineman who can play inside or out,” ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler called him a “Sleeper Free Agent Getting Buzz.” However, there’s been no buzz.
The 26-year-old tallied 6.5 sacks, 50 total tackles and 3 passes defensed last season. He took part in 76.4% of the team’s defensive snaps and 15.2% on special teams. SI’s Joshua Brisco advised Kansas City to pick him back up.
“Danna improved consistently during his four years in Kansas City, played a significant role in 2023, and possesses unique qualities that the Chiefs’ defensive coaching staff appreciate,” Brisco stated. “Quietly, the Chiefs badly need another defensive end.”
“Behind (George) Karlaftis, the Chiefs have nothing but questions on the edge. Charles Omenihu will be returning from a torn ACL suffered in the AFC Championship Game, making his path to playing in Week 1 challenging. The Chiefs used a first-round pick on Felix Anudike-Uzomah in 2023, but he saw very limited playing time in his rookie season.”
B.J. Thompson, the Chiefs’ fifth-round pick in 2023, was also hardly used. While the Chiefs could acquire another veteran in free agency, “Danna is still the most obvious choice to stabilize KC’s defensive end group.”
Mike Danna Should Be the Chiefs ‘First Call’ After Freeing Up More Cap Space
According to OvertheCap.com, the Chiefs have approximately $7.6 million in cap space. However, if Danna remains in free agency for a long time, his market value may decrease at the same time.
KSN’s Zack Eisen suggested that Danna should be Kansas City’s “first call” once they determine Sneed’s situation. If he’s traded, the Chiefs will free up nearly $20 million in cap space. If Sneed signs a long-term extension, that could clear “anywhere from $8-12M, depending on the contract’s structure,” Eisen mentioned.
“Assuming the Chiefs find a way to make space, they should focus on positions such as defensive end, running back and offensive tackle. Felix Anudike-Uzomah played 20% of the defensive snaps in the regular season last year and is expected to be a starting defensive end right now. It’d be beneficial to reduce pressure on him heading into his second season by signing a veteran to split snaps with him. Mike Danna is still available on the market and should be the first call to fill this role.”
Mike Danna Credited Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo & DT Chris Jones For His Ascent
Amid the uncertainty of his future, Danna spoke highly of his time with Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “Spags is a wizard,” the Michigan alum told PFF in an interview that was published on March 6.
“The way he plans for games against specific teams and opponents is amazing. It all boils down to our trust in each other, our communication, and also his trust in 11 determined guys.” The two-time Super Bowl winner also acknowledged Jones for “always supporting the young players and everyone.”
Chiefs analyst Seth Keysor wants the 6-foot-2, 257-pound player to stay in Kansas City. “I thought there would be more interest in Danna in the market,” Keysor stated in his newsletter on March 18.
“Although he's not highly successful in one-on-one competitions, he's effective against the run in the early stages and is a tenacious player who can move inside and achieve victories from the interior during obvious passing situations. He was a significant part of the Chiefs’ rotation last season, even as Omenihu joined and Karlaftis outperformed Danna as a pass rusher.”
