Early in 2023, Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher Mike Danna emerged as a big-time contributor to the defense. The former Michigan standout found his groove last season, and today, the team rewarded him with a three-year contract.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ theme this off-season has been consistent: If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. With the best defense in the AFC, General Manager Brett Veach signed most of his key contributors back for 2024. However, until today, he had one more veteran to bring back.
Per Mike Garafolo at NFL Network, the Chiefs and Mike Danna agreed to a three-year contract on Friday afternoon. The former Michigan standout has been a steady performer for Kansas City since his arrival. However, over the last two years, Danna has recorded 11.5 sacks.
He was at his best last year while Charles Omenihu served his six-game suspension to start the season. As a free agent, Danna had options, and I’m a bit surprised he received a three-year deal with Kansas City, but he has a big supporter in Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
For that trust, the Chiefs gave Danna a three-year contract for $24 million, with $13 million guaranteed. Danna took full advantage of his opportunity because he was a possible roster cut to start the year.
With pass rush talent thin in the 2024 NFL draft, the fact that Omenihu will miss a portion of the season recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the AFC Championship game, bringing back Danna made a lot of sense for the Chiefs.