2021 NFL Free Agency: Buffalo Bills sign DE Efe Obada

The Buffalo Bills-Carolina Panthers pipeline continues, as the reigning AFC East champions have agreed to terms with defensive end Efe Obada, per the team. He spent the past four years with the Panthers, having joined them as part of the International Pathway Program in 2017. Upon making the Panthers’ 53-man roster in 2018, he became the first player in NFL history from that program to officially make a pro roster.

The details of the deal have yet to be reported, though it’s known to be a one-year deal. Obada will be a free agent following the 2021 season.

The defensive end arrived in Carolina after the Bills hired head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane—this following stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Atlanta Falcons. Though he’s appeared in 42 career games and started just 1, Obada has totaled 50 tackles—eight of them for a loss—and 7.5 sacks. He’s also recovered two fumbles, forcing one, and recorded one interception. In Carolina last season, he tallied 18 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

According to the Bills’ press release, “Obada was born in Nigeria, but spent part of his childhood in England after moving there when he was 10 years old. In 2014, he joined the British American Football Association National Leagues and played for the London Warriors.” He and Bills RB Christian Wade both entered the league through the International Player Pathway Program.

“I’m aware that there’s a lot of people that are in my position and a lot of people that come from where I come from,” Obada once told the Charlotte-Observer. “I have the platform — and I’m fortunate to have the platform — to tell that story. It’s a very common story. It’s a very common upbringing. And a lot of people don’t have the chances to do that. So if by me chasing my dreams and being a part of this and working hard subconsciously motivates them to let them know that it’s possible, then that’s what I can do.”