The Cincinnati Bengals are adding firepower to their defense.
At least, they’re bringing in help for their practice squad.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals have signed former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel.
Veteran DT Mike Pennel is signing with the #Bengals, per source. Practice squad initially with active roster capabilities.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 1, 2025
The Bengals reportedly intend to keep Pennel on the practice squad and elevate him on game days depending on the matchup and their needs.
The Bengals had an open spot on the practice squad, so they didn’t need to part with a player to make room for the two-time Super Bowl champion.
The 34-year-old spent the past two seasons playing for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, and he was a surprise cut by the Chiefs.
The Bengals could use some depth at nose tackle, and they added a proven veteran with extensive postseason experience.
He joins tight end Noah Fant and guard Dalton Risner as potentially impactful pickups made in recent days.
The Bengals need to improve on defense.
They parted with coordinator Lou Anarumo after having one of the worst defenses in the NFL in back-to-back seasons, failing to make the playoffs despite quarterback Joe Burrow posting career-high numbers.
At this stage of his career, Pennel might be better as a depth piece, but he gives Cincinnati solid insurance at a position of need.
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