Foucault signs with NFL Panthers

David Foucault, a 6-foot-8, 320-pound offensive tackle from the University of Montreal, signed with the Panthers after impressing as a tryout player during the two-day, rookie minicamp that wrapped up Saturday.

According to the University of Montreal Carabins Twitter account, the offensive lineman signed a contract with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers on Saturday.

“Foucault just signed a contract with the Carolina Panthers!” read the tweet.

Foucault will become the second Canadian lineman in as many years to join the Panthers after coming to rookie camp without a contract. Defensive tackle Linden Gaydosh signed with Carolina last May, but spent the 2013 season on injured reserve after injuring his back during training camp.

“Congratulations David Foucault! Good luck in your journey. We will leave the front porch light on for you,” said Alouettes general manager Jim Popp on his Twitter account.

Foucault was drafted fifth overall by the Alouettes in this week’s CFL Draft.

Gaydosh was the No. 1 overall pick in the Canadian Football League draft last year before signing with the Panthers. Foucault went No. 5 overall this year to the Montreal Alouettes.

Panthers pro scouting director Mark Koncz has developed contacts in Canada and liked what he saw in Gaydosh and Foucault.

Foucault, 25, nearly came to North Carolina for football several years ago after committing to East Carolina. But after an issue with the NCAA Clearinghouse, Foucault decided to stay closer to home and play for the University of Montreal.

Foucault also has athletic bloodlines. His cousin, Joel Perrault, was a fifth-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks who spent parts of six seasons in the NHL.

Foucault chose a different path, and has realized his goal of making it to the NFL. Now he’ll try to stick with the Panthers, who are looking for a replacement for left tackle Jordan Gross.