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According to multiple sources, Obada signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.
.@EfeObadaUK signs one-year contract extensionhttps://t.co/ARtiaEjclM
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 6, 2020
The 6-foot-6 265 pound defensive end was going to be an exclusive rights free agent for the 2020 season, so he would have been a member of this organization regardless. However, the Panthers went ahead and signed him to another deal. Obada made the Panthers’ 53-man roster through the NFL’s International Pathway Program in 2018 after playing in the United Kingdom in 2014 and joining the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad in 2015. Surprisingly, the Nigerian-born defensive end didn’t play any football on the collegiate level.
He received the most attention this past season after being honored as one of the team captains in the Panthers’ Week 6 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London.
Greg Olsen throws his arm around honorary captain Efe Obada as they walk to the center of the field. pic.twitter.com/d1j3ekbkQn
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 13, 2019
Despite a lack of significant playing time, Obada displayed some potential with a total of 24 combined tackles (14 of those were solo tackles), four quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss on the season. He looks to improve next year, though.
Here’s what Obada had to say about his signing, via the Panthers’ website:
“It’s still an uphill battle,” Obada said moments after signing. “I don’t think I’ve established myself, and with all the changes in the organization, there are going to be fresh eyes in the coaching department with a new system and new philosophies. It’s going to be like a rookie year for me, kind of a ‘prove it’ year. At the same time, it’s also an opportunity. It’s about my work ethic and just improving.”
Here’s what he had to say about his production:
“Individually there was some frustration,” Obada said. “I felt I improved as a player and the game is definitely slowing down to me. My instincts are getting better. But it was a sack-less season and there was frustration in that. Just have to keep working at it. It’s just testament to the guys who consistently go out there and get sacks. It’s a very hard thing to do, that’s why it’s a well-paid role. You get heavily rewarded for that.”
What do you think of the signing, Panthers fans? Let us know!