Mike Pennel Signed After Waiver for the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs look to strengthen their defensive line ahead of the playoff push, a key roster move has emerged: the team has signed veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel after he cleared waivers earlier this week. Mike Pennel Signed After Waiver for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a depth addition; it’s a strategic move to address a growing need in the Chiefs’ run defense, which has shown signs of vulnerability in recent weeks. Pennel, a 10-year NFL veteran with stints on the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Chicago Bears, brings a physical, run-stuffing presence that the Chiefs have been missing since defensive tackle Chris Jones dealt with a minor ankle injury. With the AFC West race still tight and playoff opponents like the Denver Broncos boasting strong running games, Pennel’s arrival could provide the Chiefs with the defensive stability they need to make another deep postseason run.

Mike Pennel Signed After Waiver for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with the circumstances that led to Pennel’s availability and the Chiefs’ decision to pursue him. Pennel was waived by the Chicago Bears in Week 11 after appearing in eight games this season, recording 15 tackles and 1 sack. The Bears’ decision to part ways with him was largely due to a roster crunch and a shift in their defensive scheme, which moved away from the traditional 3-4 alignment that Pennel excels in. For the Chiefs, who run a hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense, Pennel’s skill set immediately stood out. “We’ve been monitoring the waiver wire for defensive line help, and Mike was a name that kept coming up,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “He’s a big body (6’4”, 330 lbs) who can clog running lanes and free up our linebackers to make plays. That’s exactly what we need right now.” The Chiefs acted quickly, submitting a waiver claim shortly after Pennel was released, and were awarded his contract due to their higher standing in the AFC standings compared to other interested teams.

Mike Pennel Signed After Waiver for the Kansas City Chiefs next delves into Pennel’s NFL career and the specific strengths he brings to the Chiefs’ defense. Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Pennel has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable run-stopping defensive tackles. His best season came in 2020 with the Seattle Seahawks, where he started 13 games, recorded 44 tackles, and helped the Seahawks rank 7th in the NFL in run defense. What sets Pennel apart is his ability to hold the point of attack; he’s strong enough to take on double teams, freeing up teammates like Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. to pursue ball carriers. He’s also a durable player, having missed just five games in the past six seasons—a trait that appeals to the Chiefs as they navigate the grueling late-season stretch. “Mike’s film speaks for itself,” Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen said. “He’s not going to rack up a ton of sacks, but he’s going to make sure opposing running backs don’t have easy yards up the middle. That’s a valuable skill, especially in December and January football.”

Mike Pennel Signed After Waiver for the Kansas City Chiefs highlights how the Kansas City Chiefs’ coaching staff plans to integrate Pennel into their defense, ensuring he can contribute quickly. Given the Chiefs’ upcoming matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders—a team that ranks 12th in the NFL in rushing yards per game—Pennel is expected to see immediate snaps in run-heavy packages. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has already designed specific plays for Pennel, focusing on his ability to plug gaps in the interior line. “We’ll use Mike primarily on first and second down, when teams are likely to run,” Spagnuolo explained. “He’ll line up at nose tackle in our 3-4 looks, taking on two offensive linemen so our linebackers can flow to the ball. On passing downs, we’ll rotate him out for more pass-rushing focused players, but his run-stopping will be critical early in drives.” The Chiefs have also scheduled extra film sessions between Pennel and Cullen, helping him learn the nuances of the Chiefs’ defensive scheme quickly. With just a few days of practice before the Raiders game, Pennel’s ability to absorb the playbook will be key to his early success.

Mike Pennel Signed After Waiver for the Kansas City Chiefs explores the impact Pennel’s addition could have on the Chiefs’ defensive chemistry and overall performance. The Chiefs’ run defense has slipped in recent weeks, allowing an average of 115 yards per game over their last four contests—up from 98 yards per game in the first seven weeks. This decline has put extra pressure on the Chiefs’ secondary, as opposing teams have been able to control the clock with the run, limiting the number of possessions for the Chiefs’ offense. Pennel’s arrival should help reverse that trend; his presence in the middle will force teams to adjust their running game, either by moving the ball to the outside (where the Chiefs’ edge defenders excel) or by passing more on early downs. The Kansas City Chiefs’ linebackers, in particular, stand to benefit from Pennel’s addition. Gay Jr. and Nick Bolton have both struggled with tackling in traffic this season, but with Pennel occupying blockers, they’ll have more space to make plays. “Having a guy like Mike in front of us changes everything,” Bolton said. “He takes on two guys so we don’t have to, and that lets us play faster. It’s a huge boost for our entire defense.”

Mike Pennel Signed After Waiver for the Kansas City Chiefs wraps up with the long-term implications of the signing for the Chiefs’ playoff aspirations and beyond. While Pennel is only under contract for the remainder of the 2024 season, his performance over the next few weeks could earn him a longer deal. For the Chiefs, who have traditionally valued veteran experience in the playoffs, Pennel’s presence adds a proven commodity to their defensive line. He’s played in 12 playoff games during his career, including a Super Bowl appearance with the Packers in 2016, and knows what it takes to perform in high-pressure situations. “Playoff football is different, and having guys who have been there before is invaluable,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “Mike brings that experience, and he also brings a toughness that our defense needs right now.” As the Chiefs battle for the AFC West title and a top seed in the playoffs, Pennel’s run-stopping ability could be the difference between a first-round bye and a tough road game. Mike Pennel Signed After Waiver for the Kansas City Chiefs is, at its core, a story of opportunism—a team identifying a need and filling it with a player who can make an immediate impact. For the Chiefs, this signing isn’t just about winning games in November; it’s about building a defense that can win a Super Bowl in February.