[vc_row_inner no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”]David Foucault is a fun May story. He’s an extremely large man. With long blonde hair. And a thick French Canadian accent. He drives a Nissan Versa.How a 6-7, 305 human fits into such a small car is a question that defies physics.As expected, the Panthers signed Foucault Monday after his tryout at the team’s rookie minicamp. But for those desperately hoping for anyone-other-than-Bryon-Bell at left tackle, Foucault isn’t going to be the guy. At least he won’t be in 2014, and perhaps even longer.After playing defensive line in high school, the Quebec native switched to guard for his first two seasons at Montreal University. He then shifted to tackle before his final season.So he’s still very much learning the position, and while I’m not all that well-versed on Canadian college football, it’s unlikely the Carabins are producing Crimson Tide-like talent.At his size, it’s easy to see why Foucault interests the Panthers. They don’t have a lot to lose by giving him a season to see if and how he develops.While guest hosting ‘The Drive’ on WFNZ Monday, I talked to Montreal Alouettes general manager Jim Popp. He made Foucault the fifth-overall pick in last week’s CFL draft, and I asked him for an estimate on Foucault’s development into a pro.”He would not come in and start for us,” Popp answered. “He would be a guy that would be two years, maybe a third year in the making before he became a starter in the Canadian Football League. We were getting him for the future. That’s why we drafted him.”Popp added that if fast-tracked, Foucault could possibly be NFL-ready in two years.So while he’s an interesting story and an intriguing prospect, make no mistake — the Panthers’ latest Canadian import is a big project. Yes, literally.OTHER TRANSACTIONS: In addition to Foucault, the Panthers signed punter Jordan Gay. He was with Carolina for the 2013 preseason, and he’ll again give Brad Nortman’s leg a rest over the next few months.The Panthers also released offensive linemen Travis Bond, Mike Jasper and Phillipkeith Manley.And according to his agent, the Panthers signed linebacker Billy Boyko.

BBR NUGGETS

• Jake Delhomme on Steve Smith’s release, the retirement of Jordan Gross and nasal strips for horses. — BBR
• They may have talked about him — like they do most guys who get cut — but the Panthers were never going to sign Greg Little. The wideout is now Oakland’s problem. — Deadspin
• Cam Newton, quarterback of the 2014 All-Hinge Team. — Sports On Earth

COMING UP

We’ll have more from our interview with Popp. He said some interesting stuff about defensive tackle Linden Gaydosh and defensive end Alex Hall, the two other players with CFL ties on the Panthers’ roster. Plus, since Popp was a candidate for the job Dave Gettleman got, I asked if he would have released Steve Smith.[vc_row_inner no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][share title=”Share this Post” facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true” reddit=”true” email=”true”]

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