According to Pro Football Talk's Darin Gantt, former Panthers 3rd round draft pick Terrell McClain has signed with the New England Patriots for an undisclosed contract term.

The Panthers surprisingly (or not so surprisingly, depending on how you viewed McClain's rookie season) released the former South Florida DT a few weeks ago when McClain's inconsistent offseason and training camp followed his inconsistent rookie campaign. Seeing that McClain just wasn't "getting it", the Panthers felt it was in their best interests to make a move, and when Buffalo Bills cast-off Dwan Edwards became available after the Bills included him in their final roster cuts, the Panthers jumped at the opportunity to upgrade their patchwork defensive line.

For the Panthers, it was definitely the right move, as Edwards - paired with fellow veteran DT Ron Edwards - has done a formidable job bolstering what has been the weakest part of the Panthers defense since the days when Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis suited up for Carolina.

For the Patriots, they have the opportunity to see if McClain has anything to offer them with little risk, since they're not the ones who invested a 3rd round pick in him that they can never get back. And, knowing Bill Belichick and his way of getting the absolute best out of players (e.g. - Randy Moss), McClain will probably realize his full potential, making the wasted pick sting even more for Panthers fans.