Sometimes, a guy who doesn’t get it suddenly gets it after he has been cut. If that’s the case with former Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain, the Ravens will have gotten a steal.
If it isn’t, they’ll be able to move on with minimal expense.
McClain’s one-year, $700,000 base deal has no guaranteed money. And so if the Ravens decide McClain still doesn’t get it (or simply doesn’t have it), they can move on without paying him anything more than the offseason/preseason per diem.
Per a source with knowledge of the deal, McClain can make another $400,000 in “very reachable” playing time incentives.
Other teams were interested in paying McClain more than the Ravens offered, but McClain opted to seize on what he perceives to be a great opportunity with G.M. Ozzie Newsome and coach John Harbaugh.
If he sticks, the Ravens will be sporting a law firm-style lineup at inside linebacker: McClain, McClain & McClellan. And if a certain Notre Dame linebacker slides to No. 32, the Ravens can open the home office of McClain, McClain, McClellan, & Te’o.
Specializing in missing persons. Specifically, those who never existed.