After back-to-back Super Bowl victories, the Kansas City Chiefs wasted no time fortifying their roster to fulfill quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ aspirations for a historic three-peat. As the offseason evolved, the Chiefs diligently worked to retain key players while strategically parting ways with others to create roster flexibility.
With all the changes on the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster this offseason, defensive end Mike Danna seems to be coming out on top. He played really well last season, and now he has a chance to show off his skills even more in Kansas City.
Mike Danna expected to return to Chiefs
Mike Danna has inked a groundbreaking deal with the Chiefs, setting a new precedent in the team’s contract negotiations for a three-year, $24 million deal.
The agreement marks not only a significant investment in the player’s future but also a milestone for general manager Brett Veach. The Chiefs’ hero becomes the first draft pick under Veach’s tenure to secure a multi-year extension with the Chiefs.
The deal was disclosed by an anonymous source to The Associated Press on Friday pending a physical examination. Meanwhile, it signals a swift return for Danna, who entered free agency just 22 days prior. Speculation about his re-signing had been rife following the Chiefs’ strategic trade of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, which freed up substantial salary cap space.
Danna’s renewal comes hot on the heels of other key acquisitions for the Chiefs this week, including quarterback Carson Wentz and defensive tackle Chris Jones, who sealed a record-setting contract. The team has also managed to retain defensive linemen Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, and Tershawn Wharton from last season’s Super Bowl-winning roster.
The 26-year-old player has swiftly proven himself as a valuable asset on the field after being originally drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. With 59 games and 23 starts under his belt, he has amassed an impressive stat line, boasting 128 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 39 QB hits, and four forced fumbles in regular-season play.
Notably, his contributions have played a pivotal role in securing two Super Bowl championships for the Chiefs.
Mike Danna 2023 NFL season in numbers
In 2023, Mike Danna proved his prowess on the field, delivering his most productive season yet. The seasoned defensive lineman started all 16 games, achieving career-high numbers with 50 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
His contributions extended beyond the regular season, as he played a pivotal role in all four of the Chiefs’ postseason matchups, including their thrilling overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
Throughout the season, the defensive end put forward his versatility, seeing action on 74 percent of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps and contributing on 16 percent of special teams play. He also held his own among defensive linemen, ranking 80th in the league in pass rush win rate with an impressive 5.5%, per ESPN.
This standout play surely won the heart of the Chiefs team, which prompted them to bring him again in pursuit of another Lombardi trophy.
