Chiefs re-sign defensive tackle Mike Pennel
▼ Summary
– The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed defensive tackle Mike Pennel, as announced on their social media account.
– Pennel was previously released before the 2025 season as the team acquired Derrick Nnadi via trade with the New York Jets.
– Head coach Andy Reid deferred to the general manager about Pennel’s return, noting he was focused on the short week and hadn’t seen him.
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially confirmed the return of defensive tackle Mike Pennel to their active roster, a move that solidifies their defensive line as they navigate the current season. This anticipated reunion comes after a series of roster adjustments that saw Pennel briefly depart from the organization.
To create space for Pennel, the team made the decision to release defensive tackle Malik Herring. Herring had seen limited action this year, being listed as inactive for all but two games, making his release a straightforward roster management choice.
Pennel’s journey back to Kansas City has been anything but direct. The 34-year-old veteran was an unexpected cut just before the 2025 season began. Initially, many believed his release was part of a strategic shuffle to eventually place another player on the practice squad. However, plans shifted when the Chiefs entered talks with the Cleveland Browns to secure defensive tackle Jowon Briggs, who ultimately landed with the New York Jets.
This led Kansas City to pivot, executing a trade with the Jets to bring back former Chief Derrick Nnadi, a 29-year-old defensive tackle. That acquisition unfortunately meant saying goodbye to Pennel, who then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. After appearing in all eight of Cincinnati’s games this season and recording 15 tackles, including four solo stops and one for a loss, Pennel requested and received his release from the Bengals on Tuesday. He promptly arranged a visit with the Chiefs the following day.
When questioned about Pennel’s presence at the facility during his midweek press conference, head coach Andy Reid played it characteristically close to the vest. He redirected inquiries to General Manager Brett Veach, stating he hadn’t personally seen Pennel but acknowledged his past contributions.
“He was a good kid when he was here, a good player,” Reid remarked. “So if he’s back up, that’s great; another good player in there. You guys know him. He’s got a good attitude.”
Reid was careful not to elaborate further, emphasizing his immediate focus on game preparation during a short week. “I’ve been cramming,” he explained. “We’re on a short week. All that stuff is out there. I don’t want to say, ‘I don’t care,’ but I’m trying to take care of the other part of it.”
(Source: Arrow Head Pride)
