When it comes to fixing their defense, at least the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are thinking outside the box.
The latest evidence came late this week when they signed defensive tackle and 6-foot-6, 298-pound international prospect Haggai Ndubuisi.
“One more signing from Bucs’ workout today: former Texans defensive tackle Haggai Ndubuisi. Born in Nigeria, played one game for Texans last year,” Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman wrote on his official X account. “Only 25, no college football. Could end up as Bucs’ International Pathway Program player.”
Since 2022, Ndubuisi has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Washington Commanders.
From Buccaneers.com: “Ndubuisi first participated in the International Player Pathway Program in 2022 and was allocated to the Arizona Cardinals as an offensive tackle. He saw action in one preseason game before being released by Arizona in August. The following season, he returned to the NFL through the IPPP, this time going to the Denver Broncos as a defensive lineman. He spent the 2023 campaign on Denver’s practice squad, then signed with Washington in 2024 and landed on the Commanders’ practice squad for the balance of that season.”
Heavy’s Josh Buckhalter Breaks Down Texans’ Exit
Heavy’s Josh Buckhalter broke down how the Texans let such an intriguing international prospect walk out the door.
“Ndubuisi remains a project, even heading into his fifth NFL season,” Buckhalter wrote. ” … Despite all of the movement, Ndubuisi has appeared in one regular-season contest in his career so far. That was his appearance with the Texans, in Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Ndubuisi, who also spent time with the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas, flashed in the preseason. Notably, the Texans signed former Buccaneers defensive lineman Logan Hall in free agency this offseason. He figures to have a larger role for the Texans than Ndubuisi, though, splitting time between tackle and end.”
Eagles All-Pro Greatest Product From NFL’s IPP
To this point, Philadelphia Eagles left offensive tackle and NFL All-Pro Jordan Mailata has been the greatest product of the NFL’s International Player Program.
Mailata, 6-foot-8 and 365 pounds, was 1 of the best players for the Eagles on their Super Bowl champion team following the 2024 season and signed a 3-year, $66 million contract extension in April 2024 that will bring his career earnings to approximately $133.2 million when his current deal runs out in 2028.
Mailata, who is Australian, was an elite rugby player growing up before he switched sports.
From NFL.com: “Established in 2017, the IPP program identifies elite global talent with the aim of providing selected athletes with the opportunity to improve and develop their skills and ultimately earn a spot on an NFL roster. Historically, it has welcomed athletes from a range of sporting backgrounds, including rugby, basketball, Gaelic football, track and field and more. Each NFL club is permitted one roster exemption for a qualifying international player from the start of the club’s offseason program through the roster reduction to 53 players,” the site says. “At that time, qualifying international players are eligible to be signed to a 17th practice squad roster spot reserved for international athletes across any of the 32 teams.”
Buccaneers Sign 6-foot-6, 298-Pound International Prospect