A former Kansas City Chiefs player has decided to link up with an AFC rival just ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who won Super Bowls with the Chiefs during the 2019-20 and 2023-24 campaigns, has joined the Cincinnati Bengals, signing to their practice squad, the Bengals have announced.
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Pennel played in 17 games and made seven starts for Kansas City last year, registering 25 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble. He posted a solid 65.2 overall grade at Pro Football Focus, managing a 70.2 grade against the run.
The Chiefs surprisingly release Pennel during a final round of roster cuts late last month, which came shortly after they re-acquired fellow defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi in a trade with the New York Jets.
Pennel initially joined Kansas City in 2023, but played in just three games during the regular season. However, he appeared in four contests and made three starts in the playoffs, playing a rather significant role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 9: A Kansas City Chiefs helmet is seen on the sidelines during the pregame warmups before the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals at State Farm…
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 9: A Kansas City Chiefs helmet is seen on the sidelines during the pregame warmups before the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Yeung/Getty Images)
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That actually represented Pennel’s second stint in Kansas City, as he originally joined the club in 2019. That was just in time for the first of three Super Bowl titles the Chiefs won between that year and 2023-24.
The 34-year-old began his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers back in 2014 after going undrafted. He also played for the Jets, Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears.
Cincinnati desperately needs help on the defensive side of the ball, which makes it somewhat surprising that the Bengals have relegated Pennel to the practice squad rather than placing him on their active roster.
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Perhaps there is a chance that Pennel will ultimately be elevated to Cincinnati’s 53-man roster at some point this season.
The Bengals have gone 9-8 in each of the past two years, but most have them pegged as serious playoff contenders heading into 2025.
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