Saints Sign QB Kerry Collins

Kerry Collins apparently didn't have to wait long for a second chance.

Just 24 hours after being waived by the Carolina Panthers, the disgruntled quarterback was claimed today off waivers by the New Orleans Saints, ESPN is reporting.

New Orleans, one of the surprising teams in the NFC at 3-2, selected Collins after 18 teams passed on Carolina's 1995 first-round selection.

Since Collins, the Panthers first-ever draft pick, shockingly requested to be removed as the team's starting quarterback Oct. 7, the Panthers actively shopped him. But those attempts proved fruitless with Collins in the final year of his current contract.

By selecting Collins the Saints pick up the remainder of his contract -- $1.15 million. New Orleans had hoped to start the season with Heath Shuler at quarterback but Shuler was unable to overcome a toe injury and has not played this season.

Danny Wuerffel took over the top spot after Billy Joe Hobert ruptured his Achilles tendon in Week 1 and was lost for the season.

Collins threw three interceptions in his final game as Panthers' quarterback on Oct. 4, a 51-23 loss at Atlanta. Three days later, he walked into coach Dom Capers' office and asked to be benched.

After the incident, players openly admitted that Collins could no longer run the team and Capers demoted him to third string behind Steve Beuerlen and Shane Matthews.

Beuerlein replaced Collins as the starter and completed 22-of-32 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in Carolina's 27-20 loss at Dallas Sunday.

The Panthers (0-5) are one of just two winless teams in the NFL.

The 25-year-old Collins has struggled since leading Carolina to the NFC Championship game in 1996. Last season, Collins offended some teammates by using a racial epithet during training camp and he suffered a broken jaw in a preseason game against the Denver Broncos.

He went on to lead the league in interceptions with 21 and finished last in passing efficency.

This season, Collins completed just 47 percent of his passes (76-of-162) for 1,011 yards and eight touchdowns with five interceptions in Carolina's new offense under coordinator Gil Haskell.

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