Chiefs’ Shock Cut of Mike Pennel Hands Bengals a Massive AFC North Advantage
The Cincinnati Bengals aren't often thankful for decisions made by the Kansas City Chiefs, but the choice to punt on Mike Pennel is one of them.
The Chiefs surprised fans in the last week with the decision to swap out defensive tackle Pennel for Derrick Nnadi in a series of preseason moves made before roster cuts were due for the 2025 season. That left Pennel available as a free agent leading into Week 1, and the Bengals took advantage of the unforeseen addition to the market.
Per NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, the Bengals made the call to sign Pennel on Monday.
Pennel has been a solid run-stuffer up front for the Chiefs for each of the last two seasons—and going back a bit further, back in 2020 as well in his first stint with the team. Last year, he started seven games next to Chris Jones along the defensive interior and played in all 17 games.
The Bengals have had nothing but drama along the defensive line this offseason. Dramatic contract negotiations ushered in critical headlines for most of the offseason, as the Bengals tried to go cheap with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. To make matters worse, first-round choice Shemar Stewart decided to hold out for much of the summer.
The Chiefs won't have the option to bring back Mike Pennel after all—at least for now.
Fortunately for Cincinnati, both players are now under contract and a defense that's suffered numerous losses—including former coordinator Lou Anarumo—is starting to come together.
The Bengals still have B.J. Hill inside and T.J. Slaton is there as well, signed away from the Green Bay Packers. Two draft choices from 2024 are next inside with Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson. Pennel figures to bolster the unit as the most seasoned voice in the room with championship experience after playing with the Chiefs.
It's also notable that Pennel showed some surprising disruption last season with a career-high three sacks in 2024. However, his primary value for Cincinnati will be to shore up a run defense that will have to face solid games against AFC North rivals (e.g. Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens).
The Chiefs had Pennel on the active roster until one week ago when they submitted initial roster cuts and left the veteran's name off the list. Instead, a preseason trade to bring Nnadi back into the fold left him on the outside looking in. The possibility of Pennel returning was floated, but the Chiefs have now lost out on that opportunity heading into Week 1.
Pennel has played 138 games in 11 seasons, including three for the Chiefs. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent following the 2014 NFL Draft with the Packers.
Reed Blankenship's recommendation paved the way for former Eagles DB's return
Many characteristics go into being a true leader on a team, and Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship is proving that time and time again.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was speaking to the media on Sunday when he discussed the team bringing back safety Marcus Epps. Sirianni shared the story of how Blankenship made the recommendation for the team to sign Epps.
"One thing when we were talking about bringing Marcus back, Reed Blankenship would talk to us about how much Marcus helped him develop as a player and helped learn the scheme, so (Marcus Epps is) really sharp, and he's got great leadership qualities," Sirianni said via Eagles Wire. "t's awesome that that's the memory Reed has of Marcus, that he introduced him into this thing when he was a rookie and Marcus was in his fourth year, and he helped him grow.”
Blankenship was an undrafted rookie for the Eagles in 2022, while Epps was in his third year with the team. That would be Epps' first full season as a starter at safety, as he helped the Eagles make the Super Bowl.
More proof that Blankenship is more ready than ever to be a leader on the defense
There was so much veteran leadership that left the Eagles' defense in the offseason with Darius Slay, Brandon Graham, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Josh Sweat. It caused many in the media to worry about who would be able to step up, but Slay had told everyone to keep their eye on Blankenship.
So far, it has not been a disappointment with Blankenship. He's entering his fourth season in the NFL and has been a full-time starter for the last two. During his three-year career, Blankenship has racked up 225 tackles, 19 pass deflections, eight interceptions, two fumble recoveries, two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit in 40 games.
This past week, he was named as one of the eight team captains for the Eagles. He and Zack Baun were the only defenders to earn the "C" on their uniforms.
Eagles fans can't be more excited to see Blankenship take a step up in his leadership as he's looking to prove to general manager Howie Roseman that he deserves a new contract with the team. With how he's playing, that might come sooner rather than later.
