Here are three possible landing spots for $25 million sleeper free agent and Kansas City Chief defensive end, Mike Danna this offseason. According to a report, there have been discussions that Danna deserves an extension after having an illustrious for the two-time defending champions. It’s a surprise that one of their best pass-rushers still hasn’t received a contract extension this year, despite giving a blockbuster deal to defensive tackle, Chris Jones. However, it’s cap space that has prevented the Chiefs from making actual offers to their key players entering the market.
The team recently traded one of the best cornerbacks in the league to the Tennessee Titans. According to Spotrac, trading L’Jarius Sneed frees up $20 million in cap space, previously only having $8 million. It’s a tough situation for the Chiefs after winning the chip two times in a row, now you have to pay your top guys to remain on the team. The cap situation probably won’t be as dicey now after re-signing Clyde Edwards-Helaire and grabbing Carson Wentz on a one-year deal.
It probably won’t be any different for Danna, who is entering his prime and deserves a top high-paid contract this offseason. Last season, he notched a career-high of 6.5 sacks in 16 games. Danna has been climbing the ranks since day one as a rookie putting up consistently productive seasons throughout the years. There are now rumors swirling that he could return to the Kansas City Chiefs on a new contract.
Any NFL team can’t have enough pass-rushers on their roster due to the game being won in the trenches. Danna has come a long way from being a rotational player to being the starting defensive end. Here are three possible landing spots for Mike Danna.
Three Possible Landing Spots for $25 Million Sleeper Free Agent Mike Danna
Atlanta Falcons
There are rumors that the Atlanta Falcons may wind up signing Mike Danna this offseason. The Falcons defense fairly still looks the same as it did when the free-agent market began. Key pieces are still unsigned like defensive lineman Calais Campbell and edge rusher Bud Dupree. The team’s defense looks weak right now after both of those players led the team with 6.5 sacks this past year.
According to Bleacher Report, Danna may find a new home in Atlanta rather than returning to Kansas City this offseason. The Falcons’ targeting a high-upside pass-rusher in this year’s upcoming draft while signing Danna would put Atlanta’s defense on track. Danna isn’t a star yet by any means at this point in his career. The Michigan product notched 50 total tackles and seven tackles for a loss.
His numbers against the pass and run games have been solid entering age 26 and could be entering his prime. Danna’s production isn’t going to get anyone excited but it does add fuel to the defensive department. However, he’s a versatile defender and he could be the next man up if they don’t bring back Campbell.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have made it a priority to build the offense for second-year quarterback Bryce Young this offseason. However, they’re losing a critical defensive player after trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants. There’s still some good pieces to the Panthers defense entering this upcoming fall. Pieces on the defensive line such as Derrick Brown and recently signing A’Shawn Robinson.
Having a strong defensive line in the NFC competition will be crucial for the Panthers. With Kirk Cousins signing with the Falcons, it’s now a priority that Carolina should target another pass-rusher. Danna could help them boost their defense with another rotational piece.
Detroit Lions
The Lions were close to a Super Bowl last season with the team’s biggest construction this past offseason. It was one of the best NFL Drafts in recent memory for the Lions with additions like Aidan Hutchinson. General Manager Brad Holmes has been building a team that only has a few weaknesses entering this year. Adding someone like Danna on a one-year deal could make the franchise a Super Bowl favorite.
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