The former Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher Mike Danna may be the ideal option for the Chicago Bears to partner alongside defensive end Montez Sweat, despite his unfamiliar name.
After moving defensive back L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, the Chiefs have the money to re-sign Danna. However, if the Bears make a bigger offer, they might obtain a young pass rusher coming off a successful year.
According to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, Danna is one athlete the Bears should try to get to Chicago.would be a strong complement to a defensive line that needs an edge-setter for early downs, but might use a pass-rushing specialist to get him off the field.” Ballentine wrote about Danna on March 30.
The Bears may combine him with Montez Sweat. Their defensive line is still under construction, and it would fill another gap before the draft.”
Danna, Kansas City’s fifth-round pick in 2020, spent his first three seasons mostly as a reserve. This changed last season, when he started 16 games for the Chiefs.
Danna, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 257 pounds, set career-highs in tackles (50), tackles for loss (7), quarterback hits (13) and sacks (6.5). Last season, he played 74% of Kansas City’s defensive snaps, helping the Chiefs win their second Super Bowl in a row.
Danna also has contacts with the Windy City. Bears general manager Ryan Poles was in Kansas City acting as the assistant director of player personnel.
Danna also has contacts with the Windy City. Bears general manager Ryan Poles was in Kansas City as assistant director of player personnel in 2020, and he was part of the staff that introduced the defensive lineman to the NFL.
With the finest edge rushers already signed in free agency, Danna might be a low-cost addition with a high potential upside.
According to PFF, he is expected to sign a three-year contract worth $24.75 million, including a $14.75 million guarantee ($8.25 million each year). The Bears presently have around $22.5 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, and are looking to improve their pass rush.
