As the NFL Scouting Combine heats up, the Kansas City Chiefs are making strategic moves to align with the salary cap before the new league year kicks off on March 11. A key step in this process was restructuring Patrick Mahomes' contract, which opened up a substantial $43.56 million in cap space for the 2026 season.
However, the Chiefs didn't stop there. On Monday, they announced the release of defensive end Mike Danna, a decision that cleared an additional $9 million.
General Manager Brett Veach shed some light on Danna's release during his press conference at the combine. He expressed great respect for Danna, describing him as both a remarkable player and person.
Drafted in the fifth round back in 2020, Danna has been a significant contributor over his six-year tenure with the Chiefs, amassing 21.5 regular-season sacks and earning two Super Bowl rings. Danna took to Instagram to thank the organization, underscoring the mutual respect between player and team.
Veach emphasized the importance of handling Danna's release personally, noting, "I wanted to have that opportunity - since I saw him this weekend - to let him go out there and see what his market is." The Chiefs intend to stay in touch, leaving the door open for future possibilities.
Despite these moves, Kansas City is still grappling with a cap overage of approximately $6 million. This situation suggests more tough decisions are on the horizon.
The team could potentially save $20 million by releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor and another $6 million by parting ways with linebacker Drue Tranquill. Alternatively, pay cuts could be negotiated, though such agreements are rare.
Veach acknowledged the contributions of Taylor and Tranquill, highlighting their importance to the team. He also pointed out the Chiefs' flexibility, with $60 million in convertible contracts providing various options to tackle the cap situation. Veach confidently stated, "We don’t do a lot of money pushed down to future years, and I think we run a pretty tight ship there."
As the Chiefs navigate these financial waters, their strategic approach and calculated decisions will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge. The coming weeks will reveal how these scenarios play out, with the team's cap management skills once again in the spotlight.