Full Breakdown
Buffalo Bills Sign Former Chiefs Pass Rusher Mike Danna to One-Year Deal
5/11/2026, 10:27:19 PM
Deal Overview
The Buffalo Bills announced on Monday, May 11 2026, that they have signed former Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Mike Danna to a one-year contract. The move fills a depth need on the Bills’ defensive front and coincides with the release of cornerback MJ Devonshire.
Defensive Revamp and Roster Context
Buffalo is shifting to a 3-4 scheme under head coach Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Recent moves include veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb (three-year deal) and first-round pick T.J. Parker (35th overall). Injuries have thinned the edge rotation—Michael Hoecht is recovering from a torn Achilles—so Danna adds a versatile option behind starters Greg Rousseau and Chubb.
Mike Danna: Career Snapshot
Mike Danna, 28, entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick (2020) by Kansas City out of Central Michigan and the University of Michigan. Over six seasons he earned two Super Bowl rings (2022, 2023) and appeared in 87 games (49 starts). Reported career totals differ slightly across sources but include 21.5 regular-season sacks, six forced fumbles, 194 tackles and 25 tackles for loss. His most productive year was 2023, with 6.5 sacks, 50 tackles and 13 quarterback hits.
Official Team Announcement
Bills public-relations confirmed the agreement: “The Bills have come to terms with free-agent EDGE Mike Danna on a one-year deal.” The statement added that Danna will compete for a backup role behind Chubb and Rousseau. The organization also noted the simultaneous release of cornerback MJ Devonshire.
Critiques of Recent Production
Analysts point to a decline in Danna’s pass-rush numbers, citing only 4.5 sacks over the past two seasons and a Pro Football Focus run-defense grade of 65.6 in 2024. One report described his 2024 campaign as “struggled,” raising questions about his fit in Leonhard’s pass-rush-focused system.
Data, Statistics & Conflicting Reports
- Career: 87 games (49 starts), 21.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 194 tackles.
- 2024 season: 15 games, 452 defensive snaps, 4.5 sacks (per SI).
- AFC Championship strip sack on Josh Allen recorded as 2024 season by one source, Jan 26 2025 by another.
- Release date from Kansas City listed as Feb 23 2025 in one report and Feb 24 2025 in another.
- Total tackle counts vary between 194 career tackles and a 2025 season total of 25 tackles.
Future Outlook
Danna will join the Bills for OTAs and training camp, where he is expected to vie for a rotational spot behind Chubb and Rousseau. His presence may affect depth-chart battles involving Javon Solomon and could influence the free-agent market for former Bills edge rusher A.J. Epenesa. How quickly Danna adapts to a 3-4 outside-linebacker role will be a key factor in Buffalo’s defensive performance for the 2026 season.
