Just a few days ago, we mentioned that it seemed the Detroit Lions might not be joining the International Pathways Program. However, they’ve since decided to participate and on Thursday, they signed German defensive lineman David Bada.
#Lions have signed DL David Bada.
Bada is exempt from the 90-man roster as part of the International Pathway Program.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 25, 2024
Bada arrived in the U.S. as part of the 2020 International Pathways Program class. He had been playing American football in Germany for teams such as the Munich Cowboys, Ingolstadt Dukes, and Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns before the Commanders signed him. He has spent the past four seasons with them.
Bada has played only two regular season games, both in 2022. Terrell Williams, whom Dan Campbell praised on Thursday, will be a great asset in working with the German defensive tackle.
As an IPP player, Bada is subject to a roster exemption, meaning the Lions still have an open roster spot and are not yet at the 90-player limit. They can still sign one more player. Additionally, they can use their practice squad exemption for IPP players during the season, allowing them to have 17 players on the practice squad instead of 16. This move is very low risk.
It will be interesting to see how Bada performs with the Lions. Amon-Ra St. Brown, who speaks German, is likely to be excited about this addition.
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