The New England Patriots announced on Monday the release of defensive tackle Mike Pennel Jr. The Patriots had signed Pennel to a two-year, $5 million dollar deal during free agency. The contract included a $500,000 signing bonus and $100,000 workout bonus, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.
The Patriots signed Pennel after a two-year stint with the New York Jets. During that span, the 6-foot-4, 330-pound DT showed his abilities as a run-stuffer. In 2018, Pennel played in 16 games for the Jets, starting seven, and recorded 24 combined tackles and two quarterback hits. His season spawned an outstanding 87.1 Pro Football Focus grade.
New England likely signed Pennel due to Malcolm Brown's departure to the New Orleans Saints—a former first-round pick and run-stopping specialist.
Before his time in New York, Pennel played three seasons with the Green Bay Packers. During that span he played in 37 games and compiled 40 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, and one sack.
The Patriots have cut several veterans from their roster as of late; including Maurice Harris, Dontrelle Inman, Ryan Allen, and Pennel.
Looking to the future, the Patriots must like what they've seen out 2015 first-round pick Danny Shelton. The second-year Patriot has enjoyed a rock-solid preseason and training camp. Intriguing younger players in Byron Cowart (2019 fifth-round pick) and Adam Butler will round out the bunch for substitutions against the run.
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