Bengals Add Veteran DT Mike Pennel to Practice Squad

The Cincinnati Bengals made a smart move Monday, bringing in veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel to shore up their interior defensive line. It’s the kind of signing that doesn’t make headlines but could make a real difference when the games matter most.

Proven Winner Joins Cincinnati’s Defense

Pennel isn’t just another body to fill a roster spot. The 34-year-old defensive tackle brings two Super Bowl rings from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, and that championship pedigree is exactly what the Bengals need as they chase their own title dreams.

The plan is straightforward: start Pennel on the practice squad and elevate him when needed during the season. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that gives Cincinnati flexibility while adding a player who knows what it takes to win at the highest level.

“Another veteran addition to Cincinnati,” tweeted NFL insider Jordan Schultz, emphasizing how the Bengals continue to prioritize experience and leadership as they build their roster.

Familiar Face in the Coaching Staff

This signing makes even more sense when you consider the connection between Pennel and Bengals defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery. The two worked together in Green Bay during the 2015-16 seasons, so there’s already an established relationship and understanding of what Pennel can bring to the table.

That familiarity could accelerate Pennel’s integration into Cincinnati’s defensive system. Montgomery knows exactly how to utilize Pennel’s skills, and Pennel knows what Montgomery expects from his defensive linemen. It’s the kind of chemistry that can pay immediate dividends.

Depth Becomes a Priority

The Bengals learned the hard way last season about the importance of defensive line depth. Injuries hit early and often, forcing the team to scramble for bodies along the front. Head coach Zac Taylor made it clear that depth was a priority during roster construction.

“I think it was important to keep depth there,” Taylor said on cut-down day. “As you remember early last season, we went through that depth pretty quickly, so I think if there’s a spot to go heavy, sometimes it’s in those areas.”

Pennel gives the Bengals exactly what they’re looking for: a reliable veteran who can step in and contribute immediately. His 25 tackles and three sacks for Kansas City last season might not jump off the stat sheet, but his ability to eat up blocks and stop the run is what matters most.

Competition at Nose Tackle

The real intrigue comes with how Pennel fits into the defensive tackle rotation. McKinnley Jackson currently serves as the backup nose tackle behind T.J. Slaton, but Pennel’s arrival creates legitimate competition for that role.

Jackson is younger and has more upside, but Pennel brings the kind of veteran savvy that can make a difference in crucial moments. It’s the type of position battle that should make both players better while giving the coaching staff options they didn’t have before.

The Bengals initially kept six defensive tackles on their 53-man roster for a reason, showing how much they value depth at the position. Even after waiving Eric Gregory (who was claimed by New England), they still prioritize having multiple options along the defensive front.

Smart Investment in Championship Culture

What makes this signing particularly appealing is what Pennel represents beyond his on-field contributions. He’s been in the biggest games, felt the pressure of playoff football, and knows what championship-level preparation looks like.

For a Bengals team that’s still building its winning culture, having players like Pennel in the building matters. Young players can learn from his approach, his professionalism, and his understanding of what it takes to succeed when everything is on the line.

Pennel has appeared in 138 career games over his NFL journey, which included stops with the Packers, Jets, Falcons and Bears before his championship runs with Kansas City. That kind of experience doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, but it absolutely shows up when the lights are brightest.

Looking Ahead to Week 1

The timing of this signing speaks to the Bengals’ commitment to getting better right up until kickoff. They’re not content to stand pat with their current roster; they’re actively looking for ways to improve and add pieces that can help them reach their championship goals.

Pennel might start on the practice squad, but don’t be surprised if he finds his way onto the active roster sooner rather than later. The Bengals have shown they’re willing to promote players who can contribute, and Pennel’s combination of experience and ability makes him an ideal candidate for elevation.

Cincinnati’s defensive line room now features an interesting mix of youth and experience, with players like Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart alongside veterans like Pennel. It’s the kind of balance that successful teams typically have, where young talent can learn from seasoned professionals.

This signing might not generate the same buzz as a flashy skill position addition, but it’s exactly the type of move that championship teams make. The Bengals are building something special, and adding proven winners like Mike Pennel is another step in the right direction.