Mike Pennel Says He'd Like to Remain With Chiefs Ahead of Impending Free Agency
By Michael Luciano
The Kansas City Chiefs finally buckled down on defense near the end of the 2019 season, in part thanks to some dominant performances from the defensive line.
Defensive tackle Mike Pennel, a former New York Jet who quickly became one of the key contributors inside for the Chiefs, was one of those pieces who stepped up near the end of the campaign.
A free agent this offseason, Pennel, a Topeka native, wants to stay close to home and re-sign with the Chiefs.
DT Mike Pennel provided a boost to the #Chiefs run defense with his arrival in midseason. Now the Topeka native and pending free agent hopes to extend his stay in Kansas City where he revived his career. https://t.co/16G5aXbGeK
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) February 12, 2020
Pennel recorded 24 tackles and a sack despite only playing eight games as a backup behind Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi.
Pennel might not have the most gaudy stats, but he consistently made some key plays in the postseason. On Jimmy Garoppolo's first interception in Super Bowl LIV, it was Pennel who laid a huge hit on Jimmy G, forcing a wobbly throw Bashaud Breeland picked off.
Chris Jones didn't collect a stat on Bashaud Breeland's pick, but he was crucial in forcing Garoppolo to drop his eyes and delaying the throw.
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) February 5, 2020
That bought time for Mike Pennel to make a man-sized push-pull on the center and lay a hit on Garoppolo as he threw. pic.twitter.com/70y3meAJIt
Pennel, who reinvigorated his career under Steve Spagnuolo, is exactly what you want out of a backup defensive lineman, and he would be a nice cost-effective solution for a Chiefs team that could part with some big pieces this offseason.