The Oakland Raiders waived troubled star Rolando McClain last week and now that he has cleared waivers he can sign with any team, but before the team did that they allowed his agent to explore trade options for the linebacker and one team that considered that option was the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Bengals thought about making a move to acquire McClain, as they have experience working with players who have off the field issues and they recognized his potential as a former first round pick. The Raiders felt comfortable releasing him since he had a high salary and the fact that he has had multiple run ins with police and also was suspended from the team at k the trade, but nothing came close to happening.
NFL.com reported on Monday that McClain has a number of suitors already around the NFL and the Bengals could be one of them after their initial interest. Head coach Marvin Lewis and the team brain trust have been focusing on the draft after making the playoffs two years in a row and the team may look to defense as the offseason goes, as they hosted former Eagles linebacker Akeem Jordan.
The Bengals had a solid defense last season while making the playoffs as a wild card and the team ranked seventh in passing yards per game and 12th in rushing yards per game with just under 110 yards on the ground. The team finished the season by winning seven of the past eight games of the year and the team decided to retain free agent linebacker Rey Maualuga, but since they lost Manny Lawson and Dan Skuta, McClain could be in their future.
McClain had a career year with 99 tackles and five sacks in 2011, but he regressed in 2012 with just 60 tackles while playing in 11 games after being suspended for conduct detrimental to the team by head coach Dennis Allen. McClain was considered a star in the making while coming out of Alabama as a first round pick, but after dealing with his off the field issues and poor play last season, the Raiders were ready to move on.
McClain originally signed a big contract, but after the team brought in free agents Nick Roach and Kevin Burnett, McClain became expendable. The Raiders were one of the worst defensive teams in football last season, but since McClain is only 23-years-old, he has a good chance to salvage his career with another team, possibly the Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints or even the Bengals.
