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The Cincinnati Bengals are making late-but-impactful moves ahead of the 2025 NFL season—and none may be more strategic than their recent signing of two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Pennel.
Just days before their Week 1 showdown against the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals added the veteran defensive tackle to address a glaring weakness in their front line: stopping the run.
A Smart, Physical Signing in Mike Pennel
Mike Pennel, 32, brings size (6-foot-4, 330 pounds), championship pedigree, and toughness to a Bengals interior line that was gashed at times during the 2024 season. He played key roles in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl runs and had productive stints with the Jets, Bears, and Falcons.
Most recently, he was with Kansas City during their 2023 championship season and became available after a surprise roster cut by the Chiefs this August.
“Pennel still plays like a man on a mission,” noted Arrowhead Addict, calling it “a huge AFC North boost for the Bengals.”
Cincinnati wasted no time—signing him to fill a critical need at nose tackle and provide leadership to a group that struggled with gap discipline and physicality last year.
Addressing a Key Weakness
In 2024, the Bengals’ defense ranked in the bottom third of the league in rushing yards allowed, and the AFC North is stacked with physical running backs like Nick Chubb (Browns), Najee Harris (Steelers), and J.K. Dobbins (Ravens).
Pennel’s presence on early downs could give the Bengals more flexibility with DJ Reader’s workload, allow B.J. Hill to play more pass-rushing snaps, and take pressure off the linebacking corps.
Battle of Ohio: Week 1 Preview
The Bengals open their season with a divisional test: the Cleveland Browns come to Paycor Stadium in what’s already being dubbed a statement game for both sides.
Key storylines include:
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Joe Burrow vs. Deshaun Watson: Two franchise QBs with a lot to prove in 2025
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Nick Chubb vs. Bengals front seven: Can Cincinnati’s new-look run defense hold up?
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Mike Pennel debut: Will he be active in Week 1, and how much will he play?
According to AtoZ Sports, the Bengals are slight favorites at home, but stopping the run will be essential to controlling the game and protecting Burrow from playing from behind.
Final Word
Cincinnati’s front office has made it clear: this team isn’t interested in easing into the season. The signing of Mike Pennel shows a win-now mentality and a desire to correct what went wrong in 2024.
As the Bengals gear up for another AFC North dogfight, don’t underestimate the value of a veteran run-stuffer in a division built on bruising football.
