The San Diego Chargers claimed former Carolina Panthers cornerback Robert McClain off waivers on Monday, adding a veteran presence to the secondary. He takes the roster spot of Tenny Palepoi, who was suspended four games by the NFL.
A five-year veteran, McClain appeared in 11 games with six starts this season, notching 38 tackles with one pass defensed. He started all three playoff games last season for the Panthers, including the Super Bowl, tallying 13 tackles while breaking up five passes. The 5-9, 195-pound CB has played in 77 regular season games over his career, totaling 247 tackles, 23 passes defensed, four interceptions and 2.5 sacks with the Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.
McClain initially joined the Panthers as a seventh-round selection (249th overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Connecticut. His most productive season came in 2012 in his first year with the Falcons when he totaled 61 tackles and a career-high 10 passes defensed in 15 games.