Bengals' newest free-agency signing wanted best shot at playoff chance

The Cincinnati Bengals remain a top landing spot for free agents. 

It’s an idea reinforced yet again before Week 1 with the arrival of Chiefs free agent Mike Pennel, who signed with the Bengals and was out on the practice field Monday.

While talking about his newest defender, Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden stressed just how badly Pennel wanted to come to town.

“His stature, his reputation, the fact that he wanted to be here — those are important to us,” Golden said, according to Charlie Clifford of WLWT. “And he brings a physical presence, and obviously, he can still do it at his age, which is great.“

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As seen in footage later, Pennel himself targeted the Bengals because he liked what he saw: 

Mike Pennel on joining the Bengals: "I was looking for the best opportunity with a playoff ready team and thank god Cincinnati came up." pic.twitter.com/Du8Z5TJ5ga— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) September 1, 2025

Pennel joins tight end Noah Fant and guard Dalton Risner as the latest free agents at the top of their position’s market to join the Bengals before the season. 

Granted, the fact the Bengals need so much help right before the season might irritate some fans. But if nothing else, Joe Burrow’s Bengals remain capable of reeling in the top remaining players on short notice.

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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' newest free-agency signing wanted best shot at playoff chance