As expected, ex-Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain signed a one-year deal with Baltimore on Friday after passing a physical, the Ravens said.
The Raiders released McClain last week after three seasons with the club. His final campaign in Oakland was marked by a two-game team suspension late in the season, and he was inactive the last three games. However, just three years ago, he was a top-10 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. In short, he’s a low-risk addition who may have some upside for the defending Super Bowl champions.
McClain, 23, gives the Ravens another option at inside linebacker, a position where Baltimore will be making some changes after the departures of Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe. Jameel McClain, a regular starter the last three seasons for Baltimore, would figure to have a good shot at starting inside if healthy; he’s recovering from a spinal cord contusion.
That said, the Ravens start two inside linebackers in their 3-4 base defense, and Rolando McClain looks likely to compete for one of those jobs.
Rolando McClain, who starred at Alabama, joins former collegiate teammates Terrence Cody and Courtney Upshaw in Baltimore.