Chicago Bears: Grading the 3 most recent free agent signings
By Ryan Taylor
Pennel, 29, is a seven-year veteran in the NFL that has played with three different organizations as a defensive lineman. He has played for the Packers, Jets, and most recently with the Chiefs.
He has played in 91 career games and started in 16 of them. He has two career sacks and 155 combined tackles in his career.
In his last three seasons, Pennel has played in about 30 percent of snaps on defense.
Pennel is not walking into an easy situation with the defensive line. This group is highlighted by Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Bilal Nichols, and Mario Edwards Jr.
If you’re wondering what Chiefs fans think of new Bears DL Mike Pennel @TheBeastPennel pic.twitter.com/4TOwbkhl9j
— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) June 18, 2021
Angelo Blackson, Daniel Archibong, Sam Kamara, LaCale London, and recently drafted seventh-round pick Khyiris Tonga, out of BYU, make up the bench on the backside of things.
Last season, the Bears defensive line had to manage without Goldman, due to COVID-19 preferences, and at one point without Hicks due to injury.
They were able to rank above average in power rank, stuffed percentage, and nearly in sacks, recording 35 total on the year.
Pennel is an experienced defensive tackle with evidence of solid gameplay. Grade B for talent pick-up, but no true need for the defensive line.