Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Bengals Bolster Defense by Signing Former Chiefs Super Bowl Winner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 2:13 PM ET

When the Cincinnati Bengals take the field in 2025, all eyes will be on their offense. Joe Burrow is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Bengals somehow managed to sign wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to contract extensions. But Cincinnati knows that to take a true step forward, its defense must be stocked with talent as well.

They've been able to get over a pair of hurdles, signing rookie Shemar Stewart before restructuring Trey Hendrickson's contract. Still, this is a Bengals team that finished the 2024 campaign ranked 25th in total defense, allowing 348.3 yards per game. Cincinnati still has some holes to fill.

At this stage of free agency, there aren't many big names available. However, the Bengals were able to land a two-time Super Bowl champion, signing former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel, via NFL reporter Jordan Schultz. While the financial details were not yet revealed, the fact it is a practice squad deal likely means it is a one-year contract.

Sources: The #Bengals are signing former #Chiefs DT Mike Pennel.

The plan is to start Pennel - a 2x Super Bowl champ- on the practice squad, and then get elevated early in the season. Another veteran addition to Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/nKOciW7bv9
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 1, 2025

Bengals fortify DL with Mike Pennel

When he sees his first down in 2025, Pennel will have officially played in his 12th NFL season. He may not be the splashiest free agent available, but the Bengals clearly view him as a strong fit on and off the field.

The defensive lineman spent his 2024 campaign with the Chiefs, his fourth year with the franchise. Pennel managed to set a career high with three sacks, recording 25 tackles and a forced fumble as well. Perhaps the most exciting part of the defensive tackle's game was his work against the run. Pennel's run defense grade of 70.2 from Pro Football Focus ranked 18/220 defensive tackles.

The Bengals ranked 19th overall against the run in 2024, allowing 124.8 yards per game. They're poised to feature players such as B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton Jr. across their defensive line in 2025. With the Baltimore Ravens' Derrick Henry in the same division, Cincinnati knew it needed to fortify the middle of its defensive line.

Pennel will start out on the practice squad, as it may take some time for him to prepare. But the defensive lineman has 138 games of NFL experience under his belt. He has made 231 total tackles, 17 quarterback hits, five sacks and three forced fumbles. Furthermore, Pennel's Super Bowl championships with the Chiefs will be crucial for the Bengals. If times ever get rocky, Cincinnati can lean on the defensive tackle and his wisdom to help fix any issues. He understands what it takes to hit the NFL's pinnacle.

The Bengals still have plenty of questions to answer on defense. Still, Cincinnati was looking to bolster its defensive line. They did so by bringing in a player who has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy twice.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: