The NFL has been increasing their relevance on an international scale for the past few seasons. In addition to adding multiple games in Europe, the league has also recently extended opportunities for participation to various international born players, similar to Efe Obada who joined the Carolina Panthers last year via the new International Player Pathway Program.
Last season, the NFC South division was granted an additional practice squad position for one such player. The spot would be available for an entire season but whomever was selected could not be promoted to the active roster.
Obada, a defensive end, was originally signed to the Dallas Cowboys in 2015 as a free agent.