Commanders keep the Rivera-Panthers-Bills pipeline going with DE depth signing

Since becoming the Washington Commanders head coach in 2020, Ron Rivera has leaned on multiple signings and hires from his Carolina Panthers past. On Wednesday, he tapped back into his Panthers pipeline signing defensive end Efe Obada.

Obada spent four seasons with the Panthers, three of which while Rivera was Carolina’s head coach. The first was spent on the practice squad in 2017. But, Obada made the 53-man roster in 2018 and stayed on it through the 2020 season. 

He then signed a one-year contract in 2021 with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills head coach Sean McDermott was Rivera’s defensive coordinator from 2011-2016 with the Panthers. While he didn’t coach Obada in Carolina, it’s no coincidence Buffalo was his landing spot.

Productive depth D-line during his stint in Carolina. Big – 6'6. Also, Commanthers. https://t.co/wc6uHbTkvs

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 23, 2022

Obada appeared in 52 games in four seasons,, registering 11.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one fumble forced fumble. His best season was in 2020 when he collected 5.5 sacks in Carolina. 

Obada appeared in 52 games in four seasons, registering 11.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one fumble forced fumble. His best season was in 2020 when he collected 5.5 sacks in Carolina. 

Rivera in August on Bada: “You see he’s got a lot of natural strength and athleticism. He’s got a long ways to go. … He reminds me a lot of Efe Obada … It took Obada … almost four years, before he really became that guy, and that's pretty much what I see with David Bada." https://t.co/aYPyxkUNps— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 23, 2022

Rivera has often tapped into the Panthers-Bills pipeline since arriving in Washington. Whether it’s been the coaching staff such as offensive coordinator Scott Turner and offensive line coach John Matsko or the list of players that have played in Carolina, Buffalo or both, Rivera has brought in quite a few linked to his past.

There’s been a host of similar pickups from Rivera’s pipeline that included quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Allen and Garrett Gilbert.

Others from Carolina or Buffalo include Curtis Samuel, Logan Thomas and kicker Joey Slye among others. Front office executives such as Marty Hurney are not exemptions to the rule.

In fact the only other outside pickup this offseason has been offensive guard Andrew Norwell, who played four seasons under Rivera in Carolina. If there is a need in Washington, the chances are good Rivera will find a former Panther or Bill to fill the void.