Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Chiefs Release Super Bowl Champion After Patrick Mahomes Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 4:06 PM ET

After a disappointing 2025 season that saw the Kansas City Chiefs finish 6-11 and miss the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, the franchise’s focus has shifted toward rebuilding for 2026. The season was compounded by an injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who missed the final weeks of the campaign after suffering a torn ACL in Week 14.

With a core that once featured consistent AFC titles and Super Bowl appearances now facing questions, the Chiefs have made clear that 2026 must be the turnaround year as they seek to return to championship contention.

The front office began its offseason moves by addressing the team’s strained salary cap situation.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and head coach Andy Reid.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In a key financial maneuver, the Chiefs restructured Mahomes’ contract, converting $54.45 million of his 2026 base salary and roster bonus into signing bonus proration. That adjustment lowered Mahomes’ 2026 cap hit from $78.2 million to $34.65 million and created approximately $43.56 million in cap space, a vital first step in retooling the roster.

On Monday, Kansas City took another step toward compliance by releasing defensive end Michael Danna, a veteran pass rusher who had been under contract through the 2026 season. The move is expected to save the Chiefs about $8.9 million in cap space, giving general manager Brett Veach additional breathing room as the team continues to shape its offseason strategy.

Kansas City acknowledged Danna’s contributions with a public message: “Two-time Super Bowl champ Thanks for everything.”

Two-time Super Bowl champ Thanks for everything, @M_Danna4! pic.twitter.com/GITplQiPdD
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 23, 2026

Danna, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs since being drafted in 2020, had signed a three-year, $24 million contract in 2024. His scheduled 2026 cap number made him a logical financial casualty as Kansas City works toward cap compliance ahead of the new league year on March 11.

With more moves likely coming before free agency and the draft, the Chiefs are intent on resetting both their roster and financial foundation to make a stronger run in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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