Today’s minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Deemed international roster exemption: LB David Ojabo
Minnesota Vikings
- Invited to rookie minicamp: TE Sammis Reyes
The Ravens carved out an extra roster spot after having been granted an international roster exemption for linebacker David Ojabo. The NFL allows teams to carry an extra international player on their roster as long as the individual “is a person whose citizenship and principal place of residence are outside the United States and Canada” and has “a maximum of two years of United States high school experience.”
Normally, this is reserved for undrafted players, with many of those players entering the league via the NFL International Pathway Program. However, the Ravens got creative with Ojabo, who is a former second-round pick. The linebacker was born in Nigeria and grew up in the United Kingdom, and he only came to the United States when he was 17. The Michigan product’s NFL career has been highlighted by injuries, with Ojabo being limited to only five appearances through two seasons in Baltimore.
The move allows the Ravens to now carry 91 players on their offseason roster.
Doesn’t the rule say citizenship AND principal place of residence? Can’t blame the Ravens for trying it, but it seems like that doesn’t describe the situation. I doubt that Ojabo is commuting from the U.K. or Nigeria to Baltimore every Sunday.
Another team taking advantage of the rules by using a loophole