Bengals might have just done the Chiefs a massive favor with a roster move that could help Kansas City fix a problem
The Cincinnati Bengals just made a former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle a free agent at the perfect time.
The Cincinnati Bengals may have just done the Kansas City Chiefs a favor with their latest roster move.
As first reported by CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, the Bengals released veteran DT Mike Pennel from their 53-man roster. Pennel, of course, was a victim of roster cuts in Kansas City this September, eventually landing on the Cincinnati practice squad and then their 53-man roster. He’s since recorded 15 combined tackles, including four solo stops and one tackle across eight games.
Chiefs DT Chris Jones spoke about what the team is missing in Pennel just last week.
“Everything,” Jones said. “And hopefully, you know, life throws a full circle, and we get my guy back. Mike Pennel is a heck of a locker room guy, and you know so many things I can say about my brother. We’ve got to get my brother back.”
Well, now they’ve got a chance at that full circle moment if Pennel and the team can let bygones be bygones. Pennel played four years in Kansas City, the longest stop of his 12-year career.
Bringing Mike Pennel back would be a prudent temporary solution to the Chiefs’ interior defensive line issues
Pennel won’t help the Chiefs get younger at defensive tackle, but they’ve already got youth on the practice squad they can develop long term. He’s just the type of low-cost stopgap they need with rookie DT Omarr Norman-Lott now out for the season with an ACL injury.
He won’t be a defensive tackle that gives you a ton of production as a pass rusher, but he’s a solid run defender who has historically played well next to Chris Jones.
Chiefs’ Interior Defensive Line Depth
- 53-Man Roster: Chris Jones
- 53-Man Roster: Jerry Tillery
- 53-Man Roster: Derrick Nnadi
- Practice Squad: Marlon Tuipulotu (out of practice squad elevations)
- Practice Squad: Brodric Martin
- Practice Squad: Zacch Pickens
It remains to be seen if Pennel will be back in Kansas City, but it’d make plenty of sense if he were. The timing sure feels like he may have forced his way out to get back to a contender in Year 12. While trading for a piece to fill in for Norman-Lott is flashy, this could be a cost-effective move that allows Brett Veach to invest trade assets elsewhere.
They’ve also got needs at the running back position, given the latest news on Isiah Pacheco. They could also serve to add some depth at edge rusher.
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