4 Chiefs Kansas City Can't Afford to Let Hit Free Agency in 2024

After winning Super Bowl 58, the Kansas City Chiefs have several pending free agents they must address. While some are expendable, they can't afford to let these four players hit the open market.

DT Chris Jones is one of four players whom the Chiefs can't afford to let hit free agency. / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

2 of 4

2. Michael Danna, DE

Fourth-year defensive end Michael Danna was another player who contributed a lot to the Chiefs' defensive success in 2023.

After only starting seven games in the three previous seasons, Danna started in each of his 16 appearances this time around. Fortunately, the added responsibility paid off. The ex-Michigan Wolverine had a productive year, setting new career highs in solo tackles (32), sacks (6.5), and broken-up passes (3). He also saw his missed tackle percentage drop from 12.9% in 2022 to just 3.8%.

Although Spotrac isn't projecting Danna to make as much money as Jones, an estimated $16.7 million is still more than the Chiefs can afford. Nevertheless, Kansas City must find a way to make things work. The Chiefs were PFF's No. 14-ranked team in terms of pass rush, which likely would've been worse without the former 2020 fifth-rounder's contributions.

It took Kansas City four seasons to develop Danna into the player he is today. Losing him to free agency would mean all that effort was for nothing.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs