Report: Patriots Meet With Free-Agent Linebacker Rolando McClain

Rolando McClain’s troubles have nothing to do with talent. Getty Images

By Jack Andrade

March 30, 2015

1 minute to read

The Patriots may be looking for more help on defense after losing Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, and Vince Wilfork. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, New England hosted free-agent linebacker Rolando McClain Monday.

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McClain is a fantastic talent but has been plagued by off-field issues throughout his NFL career. The eight overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, McClain washed out in Oakland and retired from the NFL in 2013. He made a comeback last season in Dallas and played well, being selected as a Pro Bowl alternate.

The Cowboys are believed to be the top suitor for McClain, though he’s reportedly been “lowballed’’ due to Dallas not wanting to assume too much financial risk in signing him. McClain had a tough upbringing and has been arrested three times since entering the NFL.

The Patriots could just be window shopping, but McClain does make sense on a low-risk deal. With Jerod Mayo’s status uncertain following a season-ending knee injury and Jonathan Casillas having departed for more lucrative pastures in New York, there is a void in the linebacker group. McClain also played for Nick Saban at Alabama, which means Bill Belichick will have plenty of intel on McClain as a player and a person.