As free agency began, the Chiefs were in rough shape with their depth at DT behind star Chris Jones. However, they have reinforced the position over the past two weeks, starting with the signing of free agent Jerry Tillery – a six-year veteran who was with the Minnesota Vikings last season.

Kansas City then re-signed DE/DT hybrid Charles Omenihu, who has spent each of the last two years with the team. Now with the re-signing of Pennel, the Chiefs are suddenly deep along their defensive line. Pennel appeared in all 17 games in 2024 and made seven starts.

Entering the league with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Pennel will spend his fifth season with the Chiefs in 2025. He was a part of their Super Bowl LIV victory in 2019, then spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears before returning to K.C. in 2023.

He helped the Chiefs earn another championship title that season, and was the unsung hero of the game. Pennel recorded six total tackles in Super Bowl LVIII (two solo and one for a loss) and clogged up running lanes all night long against a very good San Francisco 49ers rushing attack, earning him the NFL Way To Play Award – an honor that recognizes great excellent playing technique.

Pennel has a close friendship with Chris Jones, and recently stated that he wishes to finish out his career in K.C. Last year he recorded a career-high three sacks, also racking up 25 total tackles and a forced fumble. As for the Chiefs moving forward with the DT position, they could still very well spend an early draft pick on one next month since Tillery and Omeninu are on one-year deals. Details of Pennel’s contract are currently unknown, but it’s likely also short-term.