How a Former Chiefs DT Could Anchor Cincinnati’s Front
September kicked off to a strong start for Cincinnati as they bolstered their defensive depth by signing former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel to their practice squad. At six-foot-four and over 330 pounds, the veteran lineman brings size, strength, and 11 years of NFL experience to a defense that has shown vulnerability in previous seasons. Coming off the 2024 season with 25 tackles and three sacks, Pennel proved he can still produce meaningful snaps despite bouncing between teams in recent years. He also played a key rotational role during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl run in 2019, where he built a reputation as a reliable run-stuffer capable of holding his ground against interior offensive linemen. For the Bengals, a team that has struggled to consistently contain opposing rushing attacks, this addition signals a strategic attempt to shore up the trenches at a critical point in the year.
After the Chiefs opted to keep Derrick Nnadi in Pennel’s place last week, it left Pennel available heading into Week One of the 2025 season, unknowingly giving the Bengals a huge advantage. Cincinnati swiftly took advantage of the unexpected opportunity, adding the two-time winning Super Bowl veteran to their front seven before the grind of the season wears down their starters. Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor expresses his enthusiasm at the latest addition and how he is able to aid the defense. While not the flashiest signing, Pennel’s ability to clog running lanes and absorb double-teams could free up other playmakers across the defensive line. His presence allows starters like B.J. Hill to stay fresh deeper into games, which has been a challenge for the Bengals in recent years. If Pennel can anchor the middle on early downs, Cincinnati may finally find more consistency in its run defense, a weakness that opposing offenses have exploited in high-stakes matchups.
The biggest question remains: how quickly can Pennel adapt to the defensive coordinator Al Golden’s system? Oftentimes, veterans often adjust faster, and Pennel’s history with moving between teams may work to his advantage; that being said, integrating into a new scheme is never seamless. The Bengals have already shown a willingness to lean on experienced players to fill immediate needs, most notably with the addition of guard Dalton Risner on the offensive side of the ball. Much like Risner is expected to provide stability in the trenches of the offense, Pennel’s presence could give the defense a steadying force up front. Both moves reflect a broader strategy by the Bengals, fortifying the roster with proven veterans who can contribute quickly, even if they weren’t part of the offseason’s long-term plan.
