The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to add a familiar face to the locker room, as Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports defensive tackle Mike Pennel is taking a free agent visit with the team on Wednesday. Pennel, a two-time Super Bowl champion, spent the first eight games of the season with the Cincinnati Bengals but requested his release a few days ago.
Mike Pennel Chiefs
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) looks to pass as Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Mike Pennel (69) defends during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Chiefs Expected To Sign Mike Pennel After Bengals Release
Assuming the free agent visit goes well, this will be Mike Pennel’s third different stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. Originally entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014, the Arizona State product joined Kansas City in 2019 after spending his early years with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. While he never made a Pro Bowl, he provided valuable support along the interior defensive line and helped the team win the Super Bowl in 2019.
After two years with the Chiefs, Mike Pennel joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. However, he returned to Kansas City in 2023 and helped them win yet another Super Bowl, although injuries limited him to just three games. He returned to the field in 2024 for Kansas City, appearing in all 17 games while making seven starts. During his time on the field, the veteran recorded three sacks, 25 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback hits.
Pennel joined the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 offseason and put together a good-but-not-great half-season with the club. Playing rotationally in eight games, Pennel recorded no sacks, 15 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and a 61.3 PFF grade, the 60th-best mark out of 128 eligible players. While his play justified his modest contract, Pennel asked for his release after the team’s rough start to the season.
Main Photo: Ron Chenoy – Imagn Images