For the simple act of remaining on the roster this long, Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain is a candidate for comeback player of the year.
But he said he’s not worried about whether he’s coming back to the Cowboys next year.
Via Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com, McClain said he’s not concerned about a potential contract extension at the moment.
“We haven’t talked about it and I’m not worried about it,” McClain said. “I’m getting ready for the Giants.”
Even though he missed one game, McClain leads the Cowboys in tackles this year, and has a pair of interceptions and a forced fumble as well. That’s a good return on a low-risk investment, as they’ll gladly give up a sixth-round pick to the Ravens if he plays 50 percent of the team’s snaps.
“I’m just happy to be with the Dallas Cowboys,” McClain said. “I’m happy with our success so far. I’m having fun with my teammates. Having a good time, gelling together and playing some good ball right now.”
Though they’ve been capable, the difference in the Cowboys defense isn’t that they’re suddenly stingy. The 6.1 yards per play they’re allowing is identical to last year, but thanks to a league-best rushing attack, they only have to defend 56 plays a game this year instead of 68. That’s the difference between allowing 342.5 yards per game this year and a last-in-the-league 415.3 per game last year.
So while McClain has been a nice addition, the Cowboys have bigger priorities in free agency (Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray) and hope to have Sean Lee back on his feet next season as well.