Chicago Bears: 7 Players who could shockingly make the final roster

Mike Pennel might find a way to make the Chicago Bears roster in 2021

Another player in a somewhat similar situation to Jake Butt is defensive tackle, Mike Pennel. Mike Pennel is a former Kansas City Chief and a Super Bowl champion despite only playing 14% of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps in 2019. Pennel was given more playing time in 2020 as he saw his role increase to 30%.

A few weeks ago, it appeared Mike Pennel would be a lock to make this team should Eddie Goldman decide to opt-out again this year. Now, all signs are pointing to Goldman returning as he did not opt-out and is rumored to be returning for training camp at the end of July despite being unexcused from missing mandatory minicamp in June.

With Goldman returning, Pennel will have a more difficult time finding his place on the final depth chart. The Chicago Bears kept five defensive linemen to start the 2020 season, but it did not take long for them to add Mario Edwards to the mix as he was only inactive the first week of the season. Edwards performed well enough to earn a three-year deal.

As it stands, Akiem Hicks, Bilal Nichols, Eddie Goldman and Mario Edwards will be the four linemen used most defensively. This leaves one, possibly two spots left. Last year the team kept nose tackle John Jenkins and Mike Pennel could serve as that backup nose in 2021 too. Pennel will fight for the final roster spot with the likes of LaCale London, Charles Snowden, and 2021 sixth-round pick Khyiris Tonga. Pennel’s experience alone could land him a final spot.