The Chicago Bears had lingering concerns regarding their defensive tackle position going into the summer. Losing Akiem Hicks, Bilal Nichols, and Eddie Goldman in one off-season can have that effect. They’ve done their best trying to piece together a group that is at least capable. While Justin Jones will be their designated interior pass rusher, questions lingered about what they would do at nose tackle.
That doesn’t appear to be a problem anymore. The team announced Monday that they’d agreed with veteran Mike Pennel on a new deal. The 31-year-old has played 101 games in his career. GM Ryan Poles knows him well from the two years he spent in Kansas City, including 2019, when they won the Super Bowl. He isn’t flashy, but the man is a tough veteran who should be an asset to their run defense.
To make room for him, the Bears parted ways with Jeremiah Attaochu.
#Bears roster move
We have signed the following Free Agent:
Pennel, Mike (NT – Colorado State-Pueblo)
We have released the following Vested Veteran:
Attaochu, Jeremiah (LB – Georgia Tech).— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) June 14, 2022
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Defensive tackle Mike Pennel fits the #Patriots perfectly. Dominates the center here with power to jolt him into the backfield and make the tackle. pic.twitter.com/kWCAUmBeHl
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 14, 2019
Mike Pennel (@TheBeastPennel) with the long arm. Walks his blocker back for the sack! #PassRush #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/SQYkdTqqCV
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) November 19, 2019
Chicago Bears front seven likely isn’t done getting tweaked.
Pennel will enter immediately into competition for the nose tackle job against Angelo Blackson and Khyiris Tonga. The exit of Attaochu isn’t all that surprising. He’s spent most of his career as a 3-4 outside linebacker. So his position with the Bears was called into question once Matt Eberflus arrived with his 4-3 system. Sure enough, it took longer than expected, but the veteran will be seeking employment elsewhere.
This creates a lingering question at the strongside linebacker spot. Roquan Smith and Nicholas Morrow are locked as starters. The same can’t be said for the third slot. With Attaochu out of the picture, the competition now involves veteran Matthew Adams, second-year man Caleb Johnson, and undrafted rookies Christian Albright and Jack Sanborn. Either the Chicago Bears are confident one of them will handle the role well or another move is forthcoming in the near future.
That will be a subplot to watch. Until then, Pennel should be a nice addition.
