The NFL is always full of surprising news, and on Friday, that included an update on Rolando McClain that seemingly came out of nowhere.
News emerged that McClain had been conditionally reinstated by the league after not playing since 2015. There was some uncertainty regarding his contract status, with Pro Football Talk saying the Dallas Cowboys believe they still retain the linebacker’s rights. Both ESPN’s Todd Archer and PFT’s Charean Williams say the Cowboys do hold McClain’s rights. However, Williams says the team is expected to cut the former first-round pick.
Cowboys still own Rolando McClain’s rights. They are expected to cut him once they get official notice of his reinstatement, per a source. He is on their reserve/suspended list.
— Charean Williams (@NFLCharean) August 30, 2019
McClain did not report to training camp for the Cowboys in 2016 as he faced a 10-game suspension. He then missed a drug test, which triggered a 1-year suspension. He has had multiple substance abuse issues, which reportedly included an addiction to “purple drank,” which caused him to gain around 40 pounds.
McClain is now 30. He played for the Raiders from 2010-2012, signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 but retired instead, and then returned to the league in 2014 and played for the Cowboys. McClain has had multiple suspensions from the league and multiple off-field arrests.
