Houston Texans: Six free agent options at linebacker
By Randy Gurzi
Inside linebacker Rolando McClain, Dallas Cowboys, 26 years old
Rolando McClain was selected eighth overall by the Oakland Raiders back in 2010 and while he never seemed to reach his full potential, he was an effective middle linebacker for Oakland. However, he was a constant headache and ended up being released by the team in 2013.
McClain later signed with the Baltimore Ravens, only to suddenly retire. In 2014 the troubled linebacker was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys after they lost their middle linebacker Sean Lee to a torn ACL.
McClain did come out of retirement to play for the Cowboys and he has put up two good seasons for them. In 2014 he was the best linebacker on the team with Lee out and he finished with 81 tackles, a sack and two interceptions.
He returned on a one-year deal after minimal interest from other teams and was suspended the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the leagues substance abuse policy. He still performed well in 2015, as in just 12 games he had 80 tackles, two sacks and an interception.
Set to be a free agent again, McClain is very talented, but there seems to be a lot of drama surrounding him. It may be best to pass on him, but the skill he possesses at least makes him worth consideration.
Next: A playmaker on the inside