Patriots take a leap of faith with signing of English defensive reject
The New England Patriots have signed English DT, David Olajiga.
The New England Patriots are set to land up-and-coming defensive tackle David Olajiga, according to reports.
Joining via the International Player Pathway (IPP), Olajiga began his career in the UK before transitioning to the U.S. college football system—first playing at Butler Community College, then transferring to the University of Central Missouri.
Between 2021 and 2023, he racked up 98 tackles, including 20 for loss, across 32 games with the Mules.
The #Patriots are signing former #Rams DT David Olajiga, source said, a native of England. He joins via the International Player Pathway.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2025
Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Olajiga’s physical tools and international status earned him a spot in the Canadian Football League’s Global Draft, where he was selected 10th overall by the Edmonton Elks. But instead of heading to Canada, he pursued an opportunity in the NFL through the IPP.
The Los Angeles Rams brought him in during the 2024 preseason, and while he didn’t crack the active roster, he spent the entire year on the practice squad. In January 2025, Olajiga signed a reserve/futures contract with the Rams but was waived in May. Just two months later, the player has struck a new deal.
At 6-foot-3 and over 300 pounds, Olajiga offers a huge physical presence for the Patriots, who are looking to banish the ghosts of a shockingly poor 2024 campaign. They finished 4–13 and last in the AFC East under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, who was fired after just one season at the helm.
Anyone at Mizzou’s NFL Pro Day, take note of UCM DT David Olajiga.
— Joseph Potts (@TopSpeedLLC) March 22, 2024
320 pounds and went sub-4.55 in the shuttle during training with a 2+10 in the 1.4s. Jumped 30+ and hit 37+ @ 225 as well. pic.twitter.com/kILOBD2DbK
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As for the Patriots’ preseason, the first practice under new head coach Mike Vrabel is scheduled to kick off this Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. ET.
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