Rolando McClain Re-Signs with Dallas Cowboys

After reigniting his career over the past two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, linebacker Rolando McClain has agreed to a deal prior to the official start of free agency that will keep him with the franchise.

McClain's agent confirmed the deal after Rand Getlin of NFL.com reported an agreement had been reached.

McClain looked like a draft bust early in his career. The eighth overall pick by Oakland in 2010, he saw his playing time reduced in 2012 and appeared in just 11 games with 37 tackles. He was released by the Raiders after the 2012 season and retired in May 2013, just one month after signing with the Baltimore Ravens.

After sitting out one season, McClain found new life as a member of the Cowboys. He started 12 games in 2014 and set a career high with two interceptions. The 26-year-old started last season by missing four games due to a suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. 

Upon returning, McClain again looked like one of Dallas' best defensive players. Chris Phillips of Pro Football Focus noted the former Alabama star finished fourth in tackling efficiency against the run, with only two missed tackles in 294 snaps. 

The Cowboys don't have a dynamic defense, as they finished 16th in points allowed last season, so keeping a key playmaker like McClain from heading into the draft will solve some problems for owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett.