With Rolando McClain, Cowboys Just Sticking to the Plan
By Reid Hanson
Will the Cowboys re-sign Rolando McClain or not? That’s up to McClain, because the Cowboys are just sticking to the plan.
The moans and groans around Cowboys Nation have grown increasingly loud this offseason. The volume is especially loud in the wake of the Cowboys 2014 season success. Expectations rose on the field as well as in the front office.
As we wait for Rolando McClain to re-sign with the Cowboys this offseason, the discomfort and worry grows. After all, this front office hasn’t exactly retained everyone fans wanted retained.
The Cowboys were supposed to lock Dez Bryant up long-term. Instead Dez got the franchise tag placing his long-term future in doubt. The Cowboys were supposed to retain the NFL’s leading rusher. Instead DeMarco Murray followed the money (aka “respect”) to the city of Philadelphia, without the Cowboys ever giving a competitive offer.
More from Dallas Cowboys
- West coast, Texas coast, burnt toast: Cowboys don’t need more runs
- Brandin Cooks will change the way defenses play the Dallas Cowboys
- Why the Dallas Cowboys defensive X-Factor is EDGE Sam Williams
- Dallas Cowboys: 3 head coach options if McCarthy fails in 2023
- Dallas Cowboys: Is CB Jourdan Lewis a tradeable asset?
Bruce Carter and Sterling Moore were valuable contributors as well. They too were allowed to go elsewhere with nary a fuss. The Cowboys did act big, by taking a big PR gamble on the troubled, but spectacular pass-rusher, Greg Hardy. But with what amounts to a game-to-game contract, they only were able to sign him because everyone else dropped out of the running.
It has looked like an offseason of curious moves by the Dallas Cowboys thus far. Now as the Dallas Cowboys navigate their way into the last few weeks preceding the draft, they find themselves lacking at multiple positions.
Bruce Carter and Justin Durant left in free agency, leaving the Cowboys desperately thin at LB. Sure the Cowboys picked up a couple low-cost free agents, but are they the playmakers Rod Marinelli’s defense requires? To the chagrin of many, the Cowboys seem to be low-balling Rolando McClain in free agency and have yet to make progress in re-signing the talented MIKE. Are they ever going to re-sign McClain or is he going to walk too?
More from Sports Dallas Fort-Worth
- West coast, Texas coast, burnt toast: Cowboys don’t need more runs
- Brandin Cooks will change the way defenses play the Dallas Cowboys
- Why the Dallas Cowboys defensive X-Factor is EDGE Sam Williams
- Dallas Cowboys: 3 head coach options if McCarthy fails in 2023
- Dallas Cowboys: Is CB Jourdan Lewis a tradeable asset?
The Rolando McClain question can be answered by simply looking at the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason plan and the way they have handled every roster move this offseason–
At the right price
.
It’s as simple as that. The Cowboys are interested, at the right price. They won’t lust and overspend, or gamble and overcommit. In the upcoming draft, they probably won’t panic and overpay. They are thinking long-term and considering options. Options only at the right price.
That includes Rolando McClain. McClain has an offer. Presumably a low risk deal with limited guaranteed money, give McClain’s drug violations, injury history, and multiple retirements. He’s a risky player by nearly all accounts. He’s good when he’s good but he’s just not consistant or reliable. That’s why he only makes sense at the right price.
The need at LB is dire. As the Cowboys stand now, it’s a top need heading into the draft. But the Cowboys have to play this right. They have to follow the same plan they followed with every other front office move this offseason.