The Buffalo Bills signed veteran defensive end Mike Danna to a one-year contract on Monday, adding a proven pass rusher as the team continues reshaping its defensive front ahead of the 2026 season.
Danna, 28, arrives after six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played a key rotational role on multiple championship teams. In 87 regular-season games, he has recorded 21.5 sacks and 194 tackles, along with 25 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles. He has also appeared in 16 playoff games, registering two sacks, including one against Buffalo in the AFC Championship Game following the 2024 season.
To make room on the roster, Buffalo released third-year cornerback M.J. Devonshire, who had been with the organization since late last season after initially joining the practice squad and signing a future deal in January. Devonshire took part in rookie camp last week before being let go.
The Bills’ roster currently sits at 91 players due to an exemption for offensive lineman Travis Clayton, who is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.
Danna’s arrival adds another experienced piece to a defensive end group that has undergone significant turnover this offseason. The Bills have already added outside linebacker Bradley Chubb in free agency and used a high draft pick on Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker, joining returning starter Greg Rousseau and Michael Hoecht, who is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last November.
Buffalo’s new coaching staff has emphasized building depth and rotation along the defensive line, particularly as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 scheme. Head coach Joe Brady has previously pointed to the importance of maintaining quality depth across the front, noting that strong teams are able to rotate linemen without a drop-off in production.
Danna’s reputation for consistency and effort has been praised throughout his career. Chiefs coach Andy Reid has previously described him as a high-motor player who “goes 100 miles per hour every play” and brings a steady, workmanlike approach to the field.
With a reshaped defensive front and several new additions, Buffalo is expected to lean on its revamped pass rush group to anchor the defense heading into the upcoming season.
Comments
Post a Comment