The Kansas City Chiefs have signed European rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, the team announced Friday, giving them another potential offensive threat.
The Chiefs will look at Rees-Zammit at running back and perhaps wide receiver. His biggest immediate impact could come on special teams and particularly as a return specialist under the NFL's new kickoff format.
Rees-Zammit, 23, announced in January that he would attempt to play in the NFL. He participated in the NFL's International Player Pathway pro day last week and ran a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash. Rees-Zammit, who is from Wales, then made visits to a handful of teams before agreeing to contract terms with the Chiefs.
This season marks the first time that each team will have a 17th roster spot on the practice squad specifically available for an international player. Teams also are permitted to elevate an international practice squad player to the active roster a maximum of three times throughout the season, increasing opportunities for players to develop and get a chance to play.
Teams also receive one training camp roster exemption for a qualifying international player.