Kansas City is in agreement with defensive tackle Mike Pennel on a one-year contract, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. The 2014 undrafted player has served two separate stints for the team, winning Super Bowl titles in 2020 and 2024. He recorded a career-high three sacks in 17 games last season, but his value most lies in his ability to mount resistance against opposing rushing attacks. Pennel posted a 70.2 run defense grade, per Pro Football Focus.
While there have been notable additions like cornerback Kristian Fulton, offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and running back Elijah Mitchell, to name a few, the focus is mainly on retaining the team’s key contributors. The Chiefs placed the franchise tag on right guard Trey Smith and brought back wide receivers Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster and RB Kareem Hunt. Veach is now re-signing a veteran on defense.
Although the Kansas City Chiefs were obliterated in Super Bowl 59, their greatness should still shine brightly. KC continues to be the class of the AFC and was just one win away from becoming the first NFL franchise to win three consecutive championships in the modern age. Ergo, general manager Brett Veach is not interested in forcing big moves in free agency.