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Cowboys: Ranking Moves In Free Agency So Far

By Christian Blood

Aug 1, 2015; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys director of football administration Todd Williams (left), chief operating officer Stephen Jones and coach Jason Garrett at training camp at River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2015; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys director of football administration Todd Williams (left), chief operating officer Stephen Jones and coach Jason Garrett at training camp at River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55) chases Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the first half at Sun Life Stadium. The Cowboys won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55) chases Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the first half at Sun Life Stadium. The Cowboys won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports /

Cowboys Re-Sign Linebacker Rolando McClain

One- year, $5 million maximum

Arguably the biggest signing so far this offseason is the limited, albeit critical, re-signing of linebacker Rolando McClain.

This contract could certainly show a greater commitment than just a year, but the reality is that the player, despite obvious talent, just doesn’t deserve anything longer. Clear is the fact that he’s not playing for chump change either.

McClain has had an ‘on again, off again’ career in the NFL that’s been hampered by injuries and off-the-field issues that have made the entire league weary of making a long, lucrative commitment to a player from Alabama that was originally chosen eighth-overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

The Cowboys are the first team to utilize McClain in the 4-3 defense, a scheme he’s just as well suited to play as the 3-4. Having said that, McClain needs to be protected by a good defensive line, as all other linebackers do. His recent battles with concussions are matched by teammate Sean Lee, another outstanding linebacker that’s had issues staying healthy.

In other words, keep 300-pound offensive guards occupied and McClain flourishes.

When the defensive system is working right, McClain is a beast. When the former Crimson Tide star is able to pursue ball-carries and drop back into coverage, his athleticism truly is outstanding. Perhaps the next entry on this list will go a long ways towards helping McClain realize the Pro Bowl potential that the 2009 SEC Defensive Player of the Year certainly has.

Next: Did Philadelphia Eagles Just Re-Shape Dallas D-Line?

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