Rolando McClain's NFL career has not come without its share of drama. While the former Alabama linebacker has been extremely impressive on the field, off the field, he has had his struggles. After multiple issues with the law, McClain found himself without a job this offseason after the Oakland Raiders released him. Despite his falling out with the team, that has not stopped other clubs from showing interest. The Baltimore Ravens are in the process of negotiating a deal to sign McClain.
McClain was the No.8 overall draft pick in 2010 to the Raiders. He was a standout linebacker at Alabama, coming into the NFL with a high amount of potential. He proved worthy of that top-10 pick in his time with the Raiders. In 2011, he recorded 99 tackles and five sacks. He struggled to adjust to the team, never really fitting in to their system.
His off-the-field issues really kept him at odds with the Raiders front office. He was arrested multiple times since being grafted. In 2011, he served jail time for firing a gun next to a man's head in Alabama. Most recently, he was arrested for lying to police and giving a false identity after a traffic incident. He was suspended for two games in 2013 for conduct detrimental to the team after arguing with the head coach. McClain had two years and $9 million left on his rookie contract with the Raiders.
Signing with the Baltimore Ravens could prove the best landing spot for McClain to get his career back on track. The team is well known for producing great linebackers and they are in need of replacing Ray Lewis who retired. He would join fellow Alabama teammates Courtney Upshaw and Terrance Cody who are both currently on the Ravens' roster.
McClain became the third player drafted in the top 10 by the Raiders to be released this offseason. Michael Huff the seventh pick in 2006 and he left for Baltimore earlier in the offseason. Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was drafted No.7 overall in 2009 and he was cut last month, singing with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Ravens offseason workouts begin next week and the team is looking to have all of their offseason signings complete by that time. The two sides have a few contract issues to iron out, but McClain could see himself in Baltimore sooner rather than later.
