The NFL is a hard league to make. With 53 spots on the active roster, landing on a practice squad can represent a major opportunity. In 2024, the league will give all 32 teams one extra practice squad spot for an international player, according to an announcement Wednesday.

Practice squads currently max out at 16 players, and the additional spot will come as part of the NFL's International Pathway Program which launched in 2017. All AFC West and NFC North teams were already given an additional practice squad player as part of the program.

When the expansion reaches the rest of the league next year, each team will be allowed to call up its international practice squad player to the active roster a maximum of three times throughout the season. In addition to the development opportunity, teams will get a training camp roster exemption for a qualifying player.

To be deemed an international player for the exemption, an athlete's primary residence needs to be outside the United States and Canada. The NFL's International Player Pathway program does its own scouting of prospects outside North America, but clubs can also sign players they find on their own.