The Kansas City Chiefs raised a few eyebrows at the roster cutdown deadline, and the most notable name cut is two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Pennel.
Mike Pennel, Robert Tonyan Could Have ‘Handshake Agreement’ With Chiefs
Chiefs Cut Mike Pennel, Robert Tonyan For Now
Pennel, 34, is entering his 12th NFL campaign and third season of his second stint with the Chiefs. He started seven of his 17 appearances during the 2024 regular season, logging 25 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
His departure, and that of tight end Robert Tonyan, stood out, but could be “roster maneuvering.”
“It’s safe to say, based on preseason performances, that no 53-man roster projections had Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel or tight end Robert Tonyan getting cut Tuesday,” The Athletic’s Jesse Newell wrote on August 26. “Pennel, entering his 12th NFL season, has been the team’s primary starter alongside All-Pro Chris Jones over the last month, while Tonyan has been one of the Chiefs’ best preseason performers, seemingly earning his spot.
“K.C. — more than likely — has a handshake agreement with one or both of these players.”
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Tonyan began the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, but he joined Pennel and the Chiefs as a member of the practice squad in December.
The Chiefs could be looking to take advantage of both players’ vested veteran status.
Chiefs Could Be Working Loophole With Mike Pennel, Robert Tonyan
Newell noted that Pennel and Tonyan being veterans means they are not subject to the waiver claims process, in which the Chiefs are 31st in line, and are free to sign with any team they please at any time.
That could very well still be the Chiefs, who may have used the free space to hold on to some of their more promising prospects.
There is an inherent risk, though.
“Cutting a veteran could allow the Chiefs to add a couple more players to injured reserve (perhaps receiver Jalen Royals or linebacker Jack Cochrane) and add Pennel and Tonyan back to the roster a few hours later in their place. This works fine as long as Tonyan and Pennel agree not to take calls from other interested teams around the NFL,” Newell wrote.
“The benefit for the Chiefs would be reserving an extra player or two on the roster. We’ll see how it plays out in the hours to come, but the most likely scenario is that Pennel and Tonyan are back on the team in short order.”
‘Rare Scenario’ Called Chiefs ‘Biggest Move’ of Cutdown Deadline
Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
Sep 29, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
While Pennel and Tonyan’s exits (however long they may last) drew attention, but ESPN’s Nate Taylor explained the “rare scenario” the Chiefs are in with their wide receiver room.
“The Chiefs, in a rare scenario, kept eight wide receivers,” Taylor wrote on August 26. ”One could argue the Chiefs did so in case [Rashee] Rice agrees to a shortened suspension with the league, one that is different from what the NFL initially wanted, which was at least an eight-game punishment.
“If nothing changes before then, quarterback Patrick Mahomes could have six wideouts in uniform in Week 1 against the visiting Chargers. Remigio would be the top returner, and Thornton would be on the bench in case of an injury.”
Perhaps KC cuts another WR after Rice’s disciplinary hearing with the NFL on September 30.
However, that could leave the Chiefs to watch as Pennell and Tonyan sign with a rival, should a better, firmer offer present itself.
Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images