Terrell

McClain

The Chiefs signed McClain just 11 days ago. He played 36 snaps in the last two games. DT Mike Pennel was signed in a corresponding roster move.

The Chiefs needed a new body along their line with Chris Jones and Xavier Williams both banged up. 31-year-old McClain made 13 appearances, including five starts, for the Falcons last season. He could not make the talent-deficient Cardinals out of camp, however. McClain’s job in Kansas City will be to take up space and absorb snaps.

Arizona can’t seem to settle on a defensive line rotation, as the Cardinals have juggled through several linemen this summer. McClain, 31, is little more than a warm body to soak up snaps at this point in his career.

McClain, 31 in July, appeared in 13 games for the Falcons last season, spanning 374 snaps. Pro Football Focus gave him poor marks across the board for both his run and pass defense. He’s merely a rotational lineman competing for a job.

Shirley, rookie Frank Kearse, and second-year pro Andre Neblett have been a boon to the run defense as well. Despite losing rookie starters Terrell McClain and Sione Fua, the Panthers have improved to 21st in run defense, allowing just 95.6 yards per during a 4-1 stretch.

Already a bottom-tier run defense, Carolina will lose both rookie third-round defensive tackles, as Sione Fua suffered a hamstring injury as well. Pro Football Focus grades McClain as the least effective starting defensive tackle against the run this year. The Panthers are going to have to address the position in 2012.

The No. 65 overall pick one season ago was dumped to make room for Dwan Edwards, who was cut by Buffalo on Friday. McClain entered the NFL with production and size-related question marks, but the DT-needy Panthers took a shot. Prior to hitting injured reserve with a December knee injury, McClain ranked as the league’s worst starting defensive tackle versus the run, according to Pro Football Focus.

McClain was the 65th overall pick just two drafts ago. The Bears are always on the lookout for defensive line depth, particularly after cutting Brian Price only five weeks into his stint with the club.

McClain was the No. 65 pick of last year’s draft, but got destroyed against the run. Dixon appeared in only four games for the Eagles in 2011.

The Panthers gave up on McClain at final cuts even though he was the No. 65 overall pick in the 2011 draft. He’ll get a shot to cure his run-stopping woes as a rotational lineman in New England.