Major players who may be playing their final snaps for Kansas City Chiefs

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Mitchell Schwartz #71 of the Kansas City Chiefs at the line of scrimmage waiting to block on a play during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chiefs 35-32. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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Mike Pennel

Mike Pennel was a rather fortuitous signing for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. In late October, Steve Spagnuolo and the Chiefs defensive staff were still trying to solidify their interior rotation. Through the first several games, while the passing defense had improved, the run defense was following the path of the 2018 Chiefs defense.

They were one of the worst in the league and it was most apparent when they played the Indianapolis Colts in week five. In that game, the Chiefs defense surrendered four yards a carry to the tune of 180 total yards. They could not stop the Colts’ rushing attack and it ended in one of the uglier losses the Chiefs had all season.

Pennel went on to play in eight games for the Chiefs last season, and while the run defense wasn’t exactly stellar, it was improved. Pennel’s presence was a factor in the late season run that ended in the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance and victory in 50 seasons.

The Chiefs have a bevy of players at the position including surprise newcomer Tershawn Wharton. Pennel has continued his solid play in 2020, and would likely be a welcome addition back to the team at the right price. I’m guessing that price will be low given the cap situation heading into 2021 and 2022 and the likelihood the team will try to extend Derrick Nnadi this offseason.

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