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The Green Bay Packers Should Sign Rolando McClain

By Kyle Engman

Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Rolando McClain (55) during the game against the Carolina Panthers on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. The Panthers defeat the Cowboys 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Rolando McClain (55) during the game against the Carolina Panthers on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. The Panthers defeat the Cowboys 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Green Bay Packers usually don’t take chances on players with lots of baggage, but Rolando McClain should be a player that is on the Packers’ free agency radar.

The Packers’ coaching staff were high on Sam Barrington in the beginning of 2015 but issues surrounding his surgically repaired foot and questionable talent could push Green Bay to look into free agency for more depth. Jake Ryan progressed as the season went along but players like Nate Palmer and Joe Thomas struggled to pick up the slack that the absence of Barrington left.

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Mike McCarthy revealed at the combine that Clay Matthews will be returning to starting at his natural outside position in 2016. The need for an inside linebacker remains a large factor of the Packers offseason.

While Rolando McClain might not be a role model for the ideal inside linebacker, you can’t deny the the talent is there. McClain has struggled with character issues in the past, but has mainly stayed out of trouble since 2013.

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McClain was drafted by the Oakland Raiders with the eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft and played three seasons before being released in 2013. McClain signed a one year contract with the Baltimore Ravens that spring but decided to retire before even playing a snap with them.

McClain returned in 2014 after a year away from football. The Dallas Cowboys ended up trading a conditional sixth round pick to the Ravens for McClain to play with them after starting linebacker Sean Lee was lost for the season to injury. McClain played in 13 games and started 12 of them, recording 81 tackles, three passes defended, and two interceptions.

The former Crimson Tide linebacker has been a solid addition to the Cowboys defense over the past two seasons. It would appear the time away from the field has refreshed McClain’s mind and outlook on life.

Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs past Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55), defensive end Randy Gregory (94) and safety Barry Church (42) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs past Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55), defensive end Randy Gregory (94) and safety Barry Church (42) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

While McClain has missed eight games in the past two seasons due to injuries and a four game suspension for violating the substance abuse policy, the time he has spent on the field has helped Dallas tremendously. McClain while dealing with the suspension would have missed time anyways rehabbing from knee surgery that made him miss the entire off-season and all of training camp. McClain played in just 11 games in 2015.

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For the right price, McClain would make an excellent addition to the Packers defense. The past issues and health concerns may keep the price tag low enough to interest the Packers. McClain plays well in pass coverage and run defense, the type of work that the Packers are looking for in an inside linebacker. His 6-foot-4, 260 pound frame makes for a giant no-fly-zone for footballs and puts him on the same page as opposing tight ends when in pass coverage.

If McClain can stay healthy and keep out of trouble he could continue upwards trend in game play. McClain is just 26 years old and still has plenty of time to improve even more than he already has. The addition of McClain could help shore up a Packers defense that is only a few components away from being one of the best units in the league.

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