The Browns have added more players to their roster after the NFL Draft.
It’s difficult to hold the Browns offensive line accountable for hoarding players in those positions given how severely injuries crippled them in 2023.
As part of the league’s International Player Pathway Program, Cleveland signed lineman Roy Mbaeteka two days after the NFL Draft. Mbaeteka, a Nigerian native, is a very special acquisition to Cleveland because he didn’t play football in high school or college. That is, in fact, one of the program’s requirements.
Despite his small stature (6 feet 8 inches, 330 pounds), Mbaeteka has numerous years of NFL experience under his belt. He spent some time on the New York Giants practice squad after signing his rookie contract in 2022. Just last year, he performed a similar feat with the Chicago Bears. He hasn’t participated in a real game yet.
Cleveland was given foreign market rights in Nigeria earlier this offseason as part of the league’s effort to expand the game outside of the United States. Mbaeteka is a fitting addition to the Browns as they attempt to gain traction in the African nation.
All 32 teams now have the option to sign an international player for the additional 17th practice squad position thanks to recent modifications to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. Before putting Mbaeteka on the practice squad in preparation for the upcoming season, the Browns will have the entire spring and summer to work with him and see if he can secure a spot on the roster.
The 24-year-old won’t count against the Browns’ 90-man roster in the meantime since he has been designated as the team’s foreign player for 2024.
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