Lions Add Former Commanders as Lineman.
The Detroit Lions announced on Thursday afternoon that they have signed former Washington Commanders defensive lineman David Bada.
Bada will not count against the 90-man roster limit, as he joins the team through the NFL’s International Pathway Program.
With DJ Reader recovering from a torn quadriceps muscle, and Brodric Martin and Levi Onwuzurike competing for more playing time in camp, Bada’s addition provides further depth.
Aged 29 and of Ghanaian heritage, Bada previously played in the German Football League for teams including the Munich Cowboys, Ingolstadt Dukes, and Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns.
He initially entered the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in 2019 and was assigned to the Commanders for the 2020 season. During that year, Bada remained on Washington’s practice squad under exempt status.
In December 2022, Bada was promoted to the Commanders’ active roster but was placed on injured reserve in August 2023 due to a torn triceps sustained during practice. Throughout his career, he has recorded two tackles.
New Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams emphasized his role in boosting the confidence of the defensive line, which faced significant criticism last season.
“My role is to improve their performance and build their confidence. If they constantly hear negativity, they may start to believe it. It’s crucial that they listen to us here, rather than external opinions,” Williams said. “We’ll define their potential and how they play football, not the outside voices.”
