For the first time during the Patrick Mahomes era, it was Steve Spagnuolo’s defense that powered the Kansas City Chiefs run to a second consecutive Super Bowl victory.
As Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs offense struggled to consistently find momentum throughout the season, especially with a wide receiver corps plagued by drops and inconsistency, Spagnuolo’s defense was consistently stifling.
Chiefs defensive lineman Mike Danna believes it’s easy to see why the defense has historically had so much success with Spagnuolo at the helm.
“Spags [Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo] is a wizard. His game plans for specific teams, specific matchups, are crazy. It all comes down to our trust in one another, our communication, but also his trust in 11 relentless guys,” Danna recently told Pro Football Focus. “He gives young guys the experience to grow.”
The Chiefs finished the regular season ranked as the NFL’s No. 2 ranked total defense, holding opponents to just 289.8 yards of offense per game, were fourth against the pass, and were the second-stingiest scoring defense in the league, holding opponents to just 17.3 points per game.
Mike Danna’s Best Free Agent Fits
Danna is set to become a free agent, and given the urgency for the Chiefs to retain All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, and after using the franchise tag on high-priced ascending cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, the former University of Michigan star might have played his final snap for Spagnuolo.
This past season, Danna had the most prolific season of his career, finishing the 2023 campaign with 50 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three pass breakups while contributing meaningful snaps throughout the season.
According to Spotrac, Danna could be in for a significant payday when free agency begins on March 13, which may price him out of the Kansas City Chiefs’ range.
Spotrac projects Danna could fetch a contract in the neighborhood of a three-year deal worth $50.33 million, averaging out to $16.7 million, annually. That contract would make Danna the 10th-highest-paid defensive end in the NFL.
Given Danna’s rise, and the number of teams awash with cap space, the 26-year-old could see a strong market in free agency.
Here are three best fits:
Los Angeles Chargers – Danna played for new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, and while Los Angeles could look to unload high-priced veteran Khalil Mack, Danna would represent a young player with upside at a premium position.
Washington Commanders – The Commanders traded away both of their top pass-rushers, Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the trade deadline last fall, and now have a league-high $96.08 million in cap space. Expect defensive end to be a top priority, and Danna makes sense as a target for new head coach Dan Quinn.
Detroit Lions – A return to Michigan could be in the cards for Danna, as one of the few weaknesses on the Lions’ loaded roster is a complementary pass-rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Danna would immediately walk into a starting role for one of the NFC’s Super Bowl favorites.
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