Latest Kansas City Chiefs moves as NFL free agency opens: KC to re-sign D-tackle

The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a critical defensive piece from last year’s Super Bowl run.

Defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who joined the team midseason last year, will be re-signing with the Chiefs on a one-year deal, the Star has confirmed.

Pennel, 32, was one of KC’s postseason standouts. According to Pro Football Focus, Pennel had the second-highest defensive grade for the team in Super Bowl LVIII, posting six tackles with a tackle-for-loss.

His emergence came late in the season. Pennel was added to the team’s practice squad in October, then first was elevated for KC’s Dec. 17 game against the New England Patriots.

Pennel played in all four of the Chiefs’ postseason contests while serving primarily as a run-stuffer.

The NFL calendar year — and free agency — officially kicks off at 3 p.m. Central Wednesday. At that time, players can formally sign their free-agent contracts with teams.

Other players who have agreed to free-agent deals with KC this week include long snapper James Winchester, safety Deon Bush and tight end Irv Smith Jr.

The Star’s Sam McDowell contributed to this report.