Cleveland Browns sign Nigerian-born offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka
The Browns are pulling from the international ranks to help out with their offensive line depth.
Offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka was signed to a free agent deal Monday, the team announced. The Nigerian-born lineman has been part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, and the Browns have designated Mbaeteka as their player for this season.
Mbaeteka did not play high school or college football. He stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 330 pounds.
The NFL announced a change in the practice squad rules that allows for a 17th spot for an international player. Those players would also have roster exemptions for the offseason program and training camp.
The 24-year-old Mbaeteka has spent time with two other teams previously, although he's never appeared in a regular-season game. He was originally signed by the New York Giants in April 2022 but cut on the final roster cutdown day in August.
The Giants twice brought him back to their practice squad. The same thing happened with the Chicago Bears, who originally signed Mbaeteka last May before cutting him at the end of training camp.
The Bears signed him to a reserve/future contract on Jan. 8, but released him on March 15.
At the owners meetings in March, the NFL granted the Browns the international market rights in Nigeria. The program, which was previously known as the International Home Marketing Areas, allows teams access to international marketing, fan engagement and commercialization activations in order to build their brands globally.
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Browns sign international offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka
