2016 NFL free agency: Who signs Rolando McClain?

During 2016 NFL free agency, will the Dallas Cowboys bring back Rolando McClain?

After retiring twice before the age of 25, middle linebacker Rolando McClain has seen his career reborn again with the Dallas Cowboys. The team took a chance on the troubled player before the 2014 season after losing its best defensive player, Sean Lee, to a torn ACL in training camp.

After he stepped in and became a solid defensive leader on the field, McClain was re-signed for the 2015 season and the ‘Boys got a quick reminder of why other teams had washed their hands of the talented player as he was suspended for the first four games of the season for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

He’s once again a free agent, and as always with him, there are questions about whether or not it will be the best idea to sign him as part of your football club.

Vitals

Age: 26
Notable stat: 162 tackles over last two seasons
Pro Bowls: 0
All-Pro Teams: 0

Contract comparison

Comparing McClain to any other 255-pound middle linebacker who can be a force against the run but also excels in coverage is impossible. After a career rebirth in 2014, the Alabama product hit the open market and generated almost no interest whatsoever.

The New England Patriots brought him in for a visit, but in the end it was Dallas signing him to a one-year deal for $3 million. After his suspension, that may be a bit more than he can earn from Dallas this season and there may not be many more suitors this season than last.

Estimate: 1 year/$2.5 million/ $500,000 guaranteed

Will he stay?

Dallas put some interesting characters on the field in 2015 and the results weren’t favorable. The previous year there was more of a team vibe and they fought hard for one another, which resulted in better results from lesser talent. They may look to return to that strategy and they could replace McClain with their talented youngster Anthony Hitchens or maybe find a veteran player who can be relied upon, like the recently released James Laurinaitis.

If he leaves…

The other team to look at McClain in 2015, the Patriots, could be an interesting fit as they saw linebacker Jerod Mayo retire due to health issues. McClain could go from one coach with ties to his former Alabama coach, Nick Saban, to another. Look for McClain to find his way to Foxborough this season as Dallas looks to clean up its locker room and New England looks to capitalize on the young man’s talent.