The Chicago Bears have acquired a number of former Packers this off-season. By our count, they signed five ex-Packers during this off-season alone. I guess the saying really is true… if can’t beat ’em, sign all their players? I mean, Aaron Rodgers is an absurd 23-5 (including playoffs) vs Chicago in his career. So I don’t necessarily blame them. However today it was realized that one former Packer won’t be starting the year with Chicago. DL Mike Pennel.
Bears Release Former Packers DT Mike Pennel
DT Mike Pennel, 31, is entering his ninth NFL season. He has spent time with five other teams, including a stint with Kansas City in 2019-20. He spent the first three years of his career in Green Bay (2014-2016).
Pennel went un-drafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. He signed with the Green Bay Packers shortly after on May 12, 2014. That year Mike Pennel joined Jayrone Elliott as one of the only un-drafted players to make the Packers roster that year. During his rookie season in 2014, Pennel made 13 game appearances with 8 tackles. In 2015, Pennel appeared in all 16 games, starting 5 of them. He ended with 24 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Would The Packers Re-Sign Pennel?
The likelihood of Green Bay making anymore changes to their defensive line is low. Extremely low. In one off-season it has turned into one of the deepest positions on the team. The presumed full-time starters include Kenny Clark, Jarran Reed, Devonte Wyatt, and Dean Lowry. The depth players include T.J. Slaton and Johnathan Ford. Those six players make up a pretty deep defensive line. Mike Pennel may not be done in the NFL, but it is pretty safe to say he won’t be coming back to Green Bay.
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