Rolondo McClain Says He is Signing With Ravens

Aug. 17, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back (34) Ryan Williams is tackled by Oakland Raiders linebacker (55) Rolando McClain in the first quarter during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

I wrote yesterday that I didnt think Rolondo McClain was worth the headache he inevitably brings to sign him. Apparently the Ravens disagreed with me.

Rolondo McClain, after being heavily linked to the Ravens all morning and reported closing in on a deal, has now told an Alabama newspaper that he is signing a one year deal with the team. McClain told the paper

"It’s a move that cant go wrong"

While I do think the deal has high backfire potential if McClain is arrested between now and training camp(or at some point during the season) which his track record says is a real possibility, but with just a one year deal, this is actually a pretty good move. McClain is an extremely talented player, there is no debate about that, he was an 8th overall pick. based purely off of talent, he could be a top 5 ILB in the league for years to come. Hopefully the Ravens locker-room will straighten him out and he can stay out of off-field trouble.

McClain has another big issue which is on the field. He has always looked like a low effort player on about 90% of plays. That wont cut it in Baltimore. I am sure it is disheartening to play in Oakland and have to watch Carson Palmer put you in terrible defensive situations by throwing 126 INTs per season, but still, you have to play with effort. If he is a low effort player moving forward(which I doubt because when he was winning at Bama he was never a low effort guy), then I wouldn’t be surprised at all the see the Ravens cut him. There is no reason to pay a player who wont play. I would expect McClain to put forth more effort next year, he wanted off the Raiders roster badly for the past 2 years and i think that probably played a big role in his poor play.

If McClain can fly straight, both on and off the field, then there is a good chance that McClain is a massive upgrade over anything the Ravens had at ILB last year.

Here is a McClian highlight reel, The dude can play. When he wants to.