5 Free Agents the Chiefs Should Let Walk

4. Mike Pennel, DL

After completing his 11th season in the NFL, Pennel has become a fixture with the Chiefs. The Topeka, Kansas native has now spent four seasons in Kansas City and was a key member of Kansas City’s defensive line, appearing in 17 games and making seven starts last season. But with him set to turn 34 it may be best to move on.

Pennel’s calling card is stopping the run, and he did that at a serviceable level, posting a 62.4 grade in run coverage this season. While Pennel also recorded a career-high three sacks and his highest tackling grade since 2015, he’s more of a one-dimensional threat with eight quarterback pressures in 173 pass-rushing snaps.

Pennel shouldn’t be counted on as an everyday player and would be a solid depth piece to return to next year’s team. But the veteran has also said that he plans on retiring as a Chief even if he just logged a career-high workload with 387 snaps this season.

The load may have worn on Pennel as the season progressed, as he failed to post an overall PFF grade over 60 in the final two regular-season games as well as all three playoff games. Pennel capped it off with a rough performance in the Super Bowl, posting a 35.6 overall grade and a 39.0 grade against the run.

Like many players on the list, the Chiefs could do better with a replacement in free agency, and it might be time for Pennel to ride off into the sunset as a two-time Super Bowl champion.