Buffalo Bills are looking closely at an AFC rival castaway to fulfill a post-draft roster need in free agency

The Buffalo Bills are taking a close look at former Kansas City Chiefs DE Mike Danna. The Ex-AFC rival remains a free agent and is looking for work in 2026.

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) and defensive end Mike Danna (51) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills are taking a closer look at a former AFC rival, who could fulfill a big post-draft need for the club.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bills recently hosted former Kansas City Chiefs DE Michael Danna on a visit. Danna was released by the Chiefs back in February as a salary cap casualty, clearing nearly $9 million in salary cap space.

Free agent DE Mike Danna Quick Stats & Facts

A former fifth-round draft pick, Danna was selected No. 177 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, out of the University of Michigan. He played in Kansas City for six seasons, winning Super Bowl LVII and LVIII with the Chiefs.

  • Games Started: 49
  • Total tackles: 194
  • Tackles for loss: 25
  • Sacks: 21.5 sacks
  • Forced fumbles: 6
  • Passes batted: 6
  • Interceptions: 1

Danna is coming off a down year in Kansas City. He recorded his lowest sack production in a single season since entering the league.

Buffalo Bills could add Mike Danna to Jim Leonhard’s new 3-4 defensive scheme

You can never have enough D-Line depth in the NFL. Danna can provide a team like Buffalo with veteran leadership and versatility. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, Danna could be viewed as a 3-4 outside linebacker in Jim Leonhard’s defensive scheme. He’s also played some interior defensive line snaps for Kansas City and could bulk up to play three-technique. It’s really up to what they envision him playing in Leonhard’s scheme.

While it’s not their biggest post-draft need, Danna won’t be particularly expensive and could have a big impact on roster depth. Between Bradley Chubb, Greg Rousseau, T.J. Parker, and Michael Hoecht, Buffalo could use more veteran depth at outside linebacker. Similarly, T.J. Parker and Landon Jackson could use some reinforcements on the interior.

The rivalry element also comes into play here. Buffalo has been unable to get past the Chiefs in the postseason. Danna will be motivated when the Bills inevitably meet Kansas City in a future postseason matchup.

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