Introduction
When discussing durable interior defensive linemen in the NFL who have carved out long-careers with multiple teams, one name that stands out is Mike Pennel. From his early days with the Green Bay Packers to his most recent stints, Pennel’s story is one of persistence, adaptability and a steady role as a run-defender and locker-room presence. In this article we’ll explore his PFF grades and analytics, his time with the Packers, his contract history, his social media presence on Twitter (now X), and his current NFL status.
Early Life & College Background
Mike Pennel was born on May 9, 1991, in Topeka, Kansas. He stands 6-4 and around 330 lbs, an imposing figure on the interior defensive line.
He played college football at several stops, including Arizona State and finally at Colorado State-Pueblo. Interestingly, he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014 with the Packers.
The undrafted path into the league often requires players to carve out niches—special teams, backup roles, or situational packages—and Pennel did exactly that.
Time with the Green Bay Packers
When Pennel joined the Packers in 2014, he was part of the surface of what would be his professional career: a player who can rotate in, form a component of the defensive front, and contribute to the run game. In his tenure there, he logged meaningful snaps and began building his NFL résumé.
According to his Pro-Football-Reference page, he played 13 games in his rookie season with the Packers.
While his individual statistics won’t fill the marquee pages (he wasn’t a 15-sack pass rusher), his role was more about gap control, run stuffing and being a steady presence inside. That kind of role doesn’t always show up in the basic box score, which is why analytic platforms like Pro Football Focus (PFF) are helpful.
PFF Stats & Advanced Analytics
Pro Football Focus has become a key metric in evaluating performance beyond traditional stats. According to PFF, Pennel’s 2025 grade for interior defensive linemen (DIs) was 61.3, placing him 60th out of 127 in his position group. In the same season, his snap count placed him 111th of 203.
More notably, when he was with the Kansas City Chiefs, he was graded as the team’s top defensive tackle against the run last season and ranked 13th in the NFL among interior linemen with at least 150 run-defense snaps.
These metrics indicate that while he may not dominate headlines, he contributes in the often-undervalued art of stopping the run, holding gaps, and freeing up teammates. For teams that prioritise run defence, that role is crucial.
Key PFF/advanced takeaways:
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His overall grade of ~61 in 2025 puts him in the lower half of his peer group, showing he’s well-below elite but still league-level.
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His run-defense grade (especially at Kansas City) shows his value in specific schemes.
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With rotational-type snap counts, his role has been more about situational specialty than full-time starter.
Contract History & Financials
Understanding Pennel’s contract journey gives insight into how he has been perceived by teams. Let’s walk through the highlights.
Current Contract (2025)
For the 2025 season, Pennel signed a one-year deal worth $1,255,000 with the Cincinnati Bengals (or at least is listed at that number). According to the Over The Cap site, he had a 2025 base salary of $1,255,000 and a cap charge of $972,778.
Previous Major Contracts & History
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He went undrafted in 2014, signed with the Packers.
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He has had several one-year deals, signifying teams view him as a veteran depth piece rather than a long-term cornerstone.
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His contract value and guarantees have been modest compared to star players. For example, as of 2024 he had an average annual value of $1.21 M.
Key Observations
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The size of his contract reflects his role: rotational interior defensive lineman, valuable for depth and team culture, but not a front-line star.
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Teams continue to sign him year to year—indicating they view him as reliable enough to commit, albeit short-term.
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His financials are consistent with many veteran backup/rotational players in the NFL.
Twitter / Social Media Presence
While performance on the field matters most, off-field presence and personality also matter in the modern NFL. Mike Pennel’s Twitter handle (now X) is @TheBeastPennel.
On his feed he engages with fans, posts about his mindset, his team, and sometimes provides glimpses into training and his lifestyle. Having that social component adds to his brand and can matter for community engagement and team marketing.
While there’s no indication Pennel uses his platform controversially or distractingly—a positive for his professional image—his social media should be viewed as supplementary to his on-field value. Mike Pennel NFL stats.
Role & Impact on Teams
What has been Pennel’s role across his NFL career, and why has he remained in the league for this length of time?
Strengths
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Run-defense specialist: As shown with the Chiefs, Pennel ranked among the better interior defenders when true run-defense snaps are considered.
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Size & toughness: At 6-4 / ~330 lbs, he has the physical traits to set the point of attack and absorb double-teams, which helps free up teammates.
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Versatility and depth value: Teams like to have reliable veteran interior players who can rotate in, relieve starters, and maintain play-level when needed.
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Experience: Having played for multiple teams, Pennel brings veteran savvy and understanding of NFL systems which younger players may not yet have.
Limitations
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Pass rush impact is limited: His sack numbers are modest (career total ~5.0 sacks) which means his value is more in run-stopping than in being disruptive in the backfield.
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Not full-time starter: Many of his contracts and snaps indicate he’s more often used in rotation rather than as a every-down defender.
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Advanced grades moderate: His PFF overall grade ~61 is respectable but not elite, meaning he doesn’t consistently dominate match-ups.
Team Fit
With the Packers (early career) he learned the ropes. With the Chiefs he found a role-fit emphasizing run-defence. His contract size and snap counts reflect he is trusted to do specific tasks rather than be the “face” of the defensive line. Mike Pennel NFL stats.
Why the Packers & Other Teams Kept Bringing Him Back
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Teams that emphasise building deep defensive lines find value in players like Pennel who can plug in, rotate, and maintain level of play.
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His ability to stay in the league across 10+ seasons speaks to his durability, professionalism and acceptance of his role.
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His contract stature allows teams to manage cap while adding experienced depth.
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His run-defence ability is a niche but important area—while many highlight sacks, stopping the run remains a foundational defensive task.
Recent Status & What’s Next
As of 2025, Pennel is listed as playing for the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal worth ~$1.255 M.
His future likely depends on:
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How much snap volume he receives and how well he performs in those snaps (especially run defence).
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Health and durability: as an older veteran by NFL standards, staying healthy is key.
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Team scheme fit: Whether the Bengals (or another future team) need his particular skill-set in their defensive line rotation.
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Contract affordability: Teams will continue to evaluate cost vs benefit; his low AAV helps.
If he continues performing his niche role, he could remain a valuable piece as a veteran interior defender for 1-2 more seasons. Mike Pennel NFL stats.
FAQs
Q1. What is Mike Pennel’s current contract?
A1. Pennel’s 2025 contract is a one-year deal worth approximately $1,255,000, with a cap charge of around $972,778.
Q2. How did Mike Pennel perform according to PFF?
A2. In 2025, his PFF grade for interior defensive linemen was 61.3, ranking 60th out of 127 players in that category. Additionally, during his time with the Chiefs he was graded as their top defensive tackle against the run and ranked 13th in the NFL among interior linemen in run-defense for those with 150+ snaps.
Q3. Did Mike Pennel play for the Packers?
A3. Yes. Pennel began his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and played several seasons there early on.
Q4. What is Mike Pennel’s social media handle?
A4. On Twitter (now X) his handle is @TheBeastPennel.
Q5. What kind of role does Mike Pennel fill on a team?
A5. Pennel generally fills a rotational interior defensive line role, specializing in run-defense, gap-control and veteran depth. He is not primarily known for high sack totals or full-time starter snap counts, but he adds value in situational play and as a trusted veteran. Mike Pennel NFL stats.
Conclusion
Mike Pennel’s NFL journey offers a strong example of how a player can build a meaningful career without being a perennial Pro Bowl selection or household name. His advanced analytics via PFF reveal his true strengths—particularly as a run-defender—and his contract history underscores how teams value experienced, reliable veterans in key roles. Whether during his time with the Packers, the Chiefs, or now the Bengals, Pennel continues to bring professional maturity, size, and a defined niche. For any NFL fan looking to understand the vital, often under-the-radar players who hold up the trenches, Mike Pennel is a name worth knowing.
