As part of the NFL’s efforts to expand the international footprint of the game, the Miami Dolphins will be carrying an additional international player on their practice squad this season. This move, designated by the International Player Pathway Program, allows teams to harbor and develop inexperienced talents from across the globe without repercussions against making hard roster cuts against more experienced players.
Miami’s slot in 2019 figures to be filled by one of their new additions, Brazilian defensive tackle Durval Queiroz Neto. Miami “allocated” Queiroz Neto through the International Player Pathway Program yesterday afternoon. A 325-pounder with a background in judo, Queiroz Neto enters the NFL with a positive reputation of athleticism.
The Dolphins will look to capitalize on some of those athletic gifts, likely on the practice squad in 2019 as their 11th player (and designated international talent) before seeing if he’s got what it takes to compete in the pros.
