The Detroit Lions announced on Thursday afternoon that they have signed defensive lineman David Bada. It’s a noteworthy addition for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, Bada is a German-born player who has been a part of the NFL’s International Pathways Program since 2020. Since then, he has been on and off the Washington Commanders for the past four season. There he made just two game appearances: back-to-back games to close out the 2022 season, logging 27 defensive snaps and two tackles.
At 6-foot-4, 293 pounds, Bada has the body type to fit anywhere along the defensive line, although most of his preseason NFL experience has come at defensive tackle and nose tackle. While DJ Reader is currently sidelined at that position, the Lions have a few players who have stepped up, including Brodric Martin and Kyle Peko.
Because Bada remains a part of the International Pathways Program, he does not count against the Lions’ 90-man roster count, which currently remains at 89 players after waiving Matt Farniok with a failed physical designation earlier in the week.
You may remember the Lions using this program before. Last year, they rostered offensive tackle Max Pircher and carried him on the practice squad for the entire season.
In previous years, the International Pathways Program was limited to specific divisions each year, but in 2024, they allowed all 32 teams to participate every season moving forward. Back in January, the NFL announced a class of 16 new players entering the program, many of whom have found a new home with an NFL franchise