Defensive tackle Mike Pennel was a midseason addition by the Kansas City Chiefs, signing a one-year deal with the team in October. The 28-year-old had previously spent time with the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets but was cut loose by the New England Patriots in August.
Pennel played a big role in the Chiefs’ late-season defensive resurgence after claiming a spot in the defensive line rotation. With Super Bowl LIV in the rearview, the pending free agent hopes to make Kansas City a more permanent home.
“I’d definitely like to stay here,” Pennel told Kansas City Star beat writer Herbie Teope. “I know this is the place where I work well with the coaches, I love the fan base, I love the city and my family stays out here.
“I know it’s a business, but I told my agents and I told everybody in the Kansas City Chiefs organization that I’d like to be back.”
The Topeka, Kansas native got the impression from his exit meetings that the Chiefs would like him back for the 2020 season and perhaps beyond.
“Exit interviews are easy when you win a Super Bowl,” Pennel said. “I’ve never been a part of that, it was short and sweet. But the general consensus was they would like to have me back.”
As the Chiefs try and build a 2020 roster that can defend their Super Bowl title, they’ll have a lot of players to consider. Pennel’s priority seems to be working to remain in Kansas City because the fit is basically perfect.
“Just for everything they did reviving my career, this being one of my favorite teams and working well with the coaching staff and everybody in the city,” Pennel said. “I think for me as long as I want to play, the few more years I want to play, I think it would be the best opportunity to play here.”
Pennel has also become somewhat of a fan favorite, so you know the Chiefs Kingdom would be happy to see him back, especially if there are some other tough roster choices during this upcoming offseason.
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