MCCLAIN UNRETIRES AGAIN, HEADS TO DALLAS
The Dallas Cowboys acquired inside linebacker Rolando McClain and a seventh-round draft pick in 2015 from the Baltimore Ravens for a sixth-round draft pick in 2015.
What does it give the Dallas Cowboys
Obviously the news that Dallas will be without key middle linebacker {P Sean Lee} (ACL) all season prompted this move. McClain has the talent to replace Lee, but whether he can regroup after retiring from the NFL--twice--remains to be seen. McClain is a definite gamble here by the 'Boys; he might either step in and be a key rotational defender for them, or lose focus and yet again retire or get in trouble off the field. Expect him to back up {P Justin Durant} in the middle early on.
What does it give the Baltimore Ravens
Like Oakland earlier in McClain's career, Baltimore clearly got tired of waiting for McClain to sort things out. And with the addition of first-round draft pick {P C.J. Mosley} the Ravens have a new likely starter on the inside of the defense, so McClain became expendable. The fact Baltimore was willing to give up a similar draft pick to the one they get in return says a lot about their desire to move on here.
Fantasy impact
For fantasy enthusiasts in leagues featuring Individual Defensive Players, McClain becomes a deep sleeper to keep on the fringe radar (but don't expect too much). This deal solidifies the fantasy values of Mosley and {P Daryl Smith} in similar leagues, and somewhat threatens that of Durant, who may be pushed for starts if McClain somehow gets focused on and committed to the NFL again.
Player focus
Baltimore Ravens
a sixth-round draft pick in 2015