'We've got to get my brother back' — Chiefs DT Chris Jones hopes to see former teammate return to Kansas City

Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones hasn't been afraid to be outspoken when it comes to personnel decisions he'd like to see happen. He's long advocated for the team to re-sign former Chiefs DE Frank Clark after he left the team following the 2022 NFL season. Now, he's advocating for another former teammate to return to the team through some manner of divine intervention.

Mike Pennel was released by the Chiefs during the team's 53-man roster cuts, only to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad and eventually be added to their 53-man roster. Pennel was plenty familiar with the situation after Kansas City let him walk following the 2020 NFL season, only to bring him back for the 2023 and 2024 NFL seasons. Perhaps the third time could be the charm?

Chris Jones is hopeful that Mike Pennel can one day rejoin the Chiefs

Out of the blue, Chiefs DT Chris Jones was asked about what the team misses in DT Mike Pennel on Thursday. His answer is about what you'd come to expect given his history with such topics.

"Everything," Jones responded. "And hopefully, you know, life throws a full circle, and we get my guy back. Mike Pennel is a heck of a locker room guy, and you know so many things I can say about my brother. We've got to get my brother back."

Pennel remains under contract with Cincinnati. He has appeared in six games with the Bengals so far in 2025, recording 14 total tackles, one tackle for loss, three defensive stops, and two pressures on the season. Pro Football Focus currently grades him as the 63rd-best run defender among 192 interior defensive linemen in the NFL after six weeks.

Chiefs' 2025 PFF Run Defense Grades:

• Jerry Tillery: 45.7
• Omarr Norman-Lott: 45.2
• Chris Jones: 41.7
• Derrick Nnadi: 29.2

Who knows if the relationship between the Chiefs and Pennel can even be repaired after they let him go earlier in the year, but there's little denying that they miss his presence on the field. Trading a pick to acquire Pennel would likely cause an uproar, but perhaps he has the leverage to get himself released eventually and an opportunity to sign with a more competitive team, such as Kansas City.