Subscribe
Follow Us
Linebacker Rolando McClain has secured a conditional reinstatement to the NFL, according to Pro Football Talk. He has been out of the league for three seasons.
McClain has been suspended since 2016 due to drug issues, but he last appeared in an NFL game back in 2015 with the Dallas Cowboys, playing in 11 games that season and registering 80 tackles, a couple of sacks, an interception, and a defensive touchdown.
The 30-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama, was originally selected by the Oakland Raiders with the eighth overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft.
He appeared in 15 contests during his rookie year, totaling 85 tackles, a pick, and six passes defended. He the had a breakout year during his second season, racking up 100 tackles, five sacks, and 14 passes defended.
McClain spent one more season with the Raiders in 2012, but was ultimately waived by the team that offseason as a result of various off-the-field issues. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens in April 2013, but he then announced his retirement shortly thereafter.
The Decatur, Al. native returned to the NFL with the Cowboys in 2014, and because the Ravens still owned his rights, Dallas had to acquire him from Baltimore via trade, sending a seventh-round draft pick to the Ravens in exchange.
McClain participated in 13 games for the Cowboys that ensuing season, posting 87 tackles, a sack, and a couple of picks. He re-signed with the club that offseason, but was suspended for the first four games of the 2015 campaign due to drug use.
Then, due to more suspensions, he missed all of 2016. Dallas is expected to release the veteran linebacker, which will allow him to hit free agency.
