The Patriots are releasing defensive tackle Mike Pennel, according to ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss (on Twitter). It’s an unexpected move, especially since Pennel was inked to a two-year deal just a few months back.
This year, Pennel was in line to see significant time on the interior, and perhaps even occupy a starting role. Now, it appears that Danny Shelton will roll with the first-string group alongside Lawrence Guy. Meanwhile, fringe DTs like David Parry and Nick Thurman now have improved odds of surviving the 53-man cuts over Labor Day Weekend.
Pennel was a staple of the Jets’ defense in recent years, appearing in every game over the last two seasons. His Jets stint, which included ten starts, yielded an average of 31 tackles per season with zero sacks. His traditional stats did not jump off of the page, but the advanced metrics were very high on his work in 2018. Pennel was tied as the 14th best defensive tackle in the NFL last year, according to Pro Football Focus, though his 358 snaps were the lowest sum of anyone in the top 40.
Despite his productivity, the Jets turned down Pennel’s option for 2019. Now, the Patriots have passed on him, leaving him in limbo with days to go before the start of the season.
How can he rate so highly in 2018 and not have the Jets or Patriots value his ability?
You have to wonder if there is something physically wrong with him.
He was a good rotation guy, but I couldn’t see the Jets bringing him back after drafting Quinnen Williams. If they’re ready to give up on Nathan Shepherd, maybe they’d have a spot for Pennel. Someone will give him a shot.
This actually benefits Pennel, getting cut before the manadatory 53 man roster cuts. Better chance of him getting picked up now vs. when 100’s of players are available.