IRVING, Texas – For about three weeks into free agency, linebacker Rolando McClain hadn't heard much from any teams, including the Cowboys.
But after a visit earlier this week with the Patriots in New England, McClain suddenly had a decision to make regarding his future.
The linebacker has decided to stay in Dallas, re-signing with the Cowboys for a one-year deal, reportedly worth $3 million, with a chance to earn another $1 million in incentives.
McClain, who has retired from the NFL twice since being drafted No. 8 overall by the Raiders in 2010, resurrected his career with the Cowboys last season when he joined the team in the summer. McClain was brought in as a long shot to replace Sean Lee, who had suffered a torn ACL in the OTA practices. McClain ended up starting 12 of 13 games played in 2014.
A finalist for the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award, McClain had some clutch moments throughout the season, including game-clinching interceptions against both Tennessee and Seattle.
However, McClain did battle injury concerns all season, including twice in the postseason when he couldn't finish either playoff game because of a concussion.
McClain should have a shot to regain his starting position at middle linebacker despite the signing of veteran Jasper Brinkley. The Cowboys are moving Lee to weakside linebacker.
McClain is expected to be fined four game checks by the NFL in 2015 for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
This offseason, the Cowboys have lost Bruce Carter (Tampa Bay) and Jutin Durant (Atlanta) in free agency, but have added Brinkley, Andrew Gachkar, Keith Rivers and now McClain.
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