Christian

Wade

Buffalo needed to clear a roster spot after signing RB Duke Johnson. Wade, 30, missed all of 2021 to shoulder surgery. The ex-rugby star spent the last three seasons on Buffalo’s practice squad but never appeared in a game.

It’s obvious coachspeak from McDermott, but it’s at least notable after Wade balled out last preseason with big plays as a first-year player following his transition from rugby over in the UK. Wade produced an 8-84-1 rushing line and 4-55 receiving line in limited exhibition work before spending the year on the practice squad. With Frank Gore a free agent, Wade could make a move on a 53-man roster spot in 2020.

Wade joins Buffalo as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, which this season will give every AFC East team an extra offseason roster spot and regular season practice squad spot to spend on an international player. A former rugby player, Wade represented the English National Team, and his 82 tries ranks third all-time in the Premiership.