Rolando McClain to sign with Ravens?

[jaege]

[quote name='dhstandard' timestamp='1365262158' post='1426566']
By that logic we would never sign a free agent ever.
[/quote]

What logic? What are you talking about? The fact that I find it annoying to see endless threads toting the merits of every scrub that is cut leads you to the conclusion that the Ravens should never sign anyone? Your point escapes me.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365203461' post='1426062']
Ahh. The dismissal. Well played. I was almost annoyed by that. Almost.

What conversation were you trying to have? That Rolando (whom you have been fond of for a really long time) could possibly fill a vital role on the team? How is that different from all the other fans who have their favorite player that they have been mooning over for a really long time and that they feel certain could fill a vital role if only Ozzie would pick them up? Are their opinions less valid than yours? Or are you "done with them too" because they "cannot have a decent conversation"?

I will concede, I really know nothing about this player. He may very well be able to fill that vital role. Again.[u] Not the point.[/u]

To be bluntly honest, it is annoying that every time a player gets cut by another team someone here feels the need to promote him as a potential addition to the roster. Its very unrealistic.
[/quote]

I don't think people needlessly make threads on random players - we have needs, and when players get cut that could fill those voids, people ask opinions about them. Huff got cut, we had a thread asking about him, the general consensus seemed to be he'd fit in well, he signed with us. Nobody had a single thread about Marcus Spears or Chris Canty before they signed here, and nobody has (to my knowledge at least) brought up Charles Woodson, John Abraham, etc. People asked about Freeny, then we signed Dumervil and it stopped. People are curious about players like Dansby and McClain because 1) we are very thin at inside linebacker, and 2) we might not have a shot at the better linebackers in this class. Now I will agree there are certain threads that make no sense like advocating a trade for Mike Pouncey or Dwayne Bowe, but for the most part I find a lot of the players discussed are realistic possibilities.

[GrimCoconut]

Btw, some of those random threads to sign random cut or available FAs sometimes pan out, sometimes become Ravens & sometimes help you win a Super Bowl (see Jacoby Jones).

[jaege]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365207254' post='1426095']
So, we should just never talk about released players then I guess. Would that better suit you and your preferences? I am actually not surprised by a lot of the new topics posted because yes, when someone gets released.. it is a very feasible thing to post and discuss the potential addition of a player. What purpose does this message board serve you would be my question? I created an account in order to come discuss all things pertaining to the Ravens as well as an extension of the Ravens which would be the NFL. Just because someone posts that they would like to add someone to our roster doesn't mean anything, but I think you are looking to kick up a fuss about something when you click on the link to this topic and take the time to posts things in it. If it is "soooo annoying" to continually read these new topics regarding released players then why even take the time to do all that? Everyone would be happy, would they not? You don't have to "get annoyed" because you simply click on the links of things that interest you and if Rolando McClain doesn't then why click on the link and participate? You are the one causing your own annoyance.. It seems like a pretty simple problem to fix. If people agree or have questions regarding Rolando McClain then they can take the time out to click and participate but those that want nothing to do with him.. then yeah, it's fine to give your opinion and say "no, I wouldn't care for him" and then continue to state why and that's fine but when you come on here just to talk about how annoying it is... well, my response to that is that's your fault. It's a real simple concept.. don't click the link. You'll be a lot happier in the long run because just because you say something "annoys you" doesn't mean people are going to stop.. seems unproductive to me. Wasting your time a little bit..
[/quote]



The whole concept of a forum is both unproductive and a waste of time. There is no meaningful production, no work is done, no money earned, nothing is accomplished. So to point out one post on one thread as a waste of time seems redundant.

I will agree, however that it is pointless on my part to add to the unproductive nature of a thread by "kicking up a fuss". I will instead try to participate, but rationally.

I am assuming that your desire to add this player to the roster is something you feel is possible, base upon your original post.

The Ravens are fairly near their cap, after covering our draft picks and adding in a small cushion, there is not much room for adding anyone, much less a good player.

I understand the Raiders cut him due to his cap hit. Will this guy really take the kind of pay cut that would be required for him to join the Ravens, considering that there are many more teams with a lot more money that would happily snatch up and overpay a potentially good player? Serious question, what sort of offer do you think the Ravens are capable of making that this guy would seriously consider?

Rationally speaking I really do not see any more moves in FA at least until after the draft. Certainly I understand that there are lots of really good players that are literally slipping through our fingers, but a lack of cap space doesn't even allow us to look their way.

Another poster mentioned Dumervil. That was a different situation entirely. As I am sure you know he was released through a comedy of errors. The Broncos wanted to keep him and were willing to pay well to do so. He was a steal. Rolando was outright cut as part of a huge Raider purge. They didn't even try to keep him. I can only conclude that he was unwilling to consider a cut in pay or he was just not that good. In either case I do not see how or why the Ravens would or should try to pick him up.

If you know something more about this player, please enlighten me.

[Ray Ray Ravens]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1365216458' post='1426210']
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQoLuqzth_k[/media]

He plays very undisciplined.

If we ousted Pollard for his ability to draw unnecessary roughness, then McClain will probably be passed by Ozzie.
[/quote]The neanderthal in me smiles a little bit when I watch this.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Stephenjr' timestamp='1365277019' post='1426704']
I agree there.He was an Alabama guy but some College greats just are not so great in the NFL
[/quote]

No one can determine his success in the NFL until he is put in a defense that showcases his talents (3-4). A 4-3? I mean.. I saw a tweet from Ian Rapaport saying he told the Raiders from day 1 he wouldn't feel comfortable going so far away from home and they drafted him anyways. He is 23... I'm 22 and that would be so hard. He needs familiarity.. And having Upshaw and Cody (two guys who he was very good friends with at Bama) on the team is exactly that plus with Ozzie being a Bama boy then it brings even more. Ozzie is constantly around the Bama program and him and Rolando got familiar with each other over his 4 years. Ozzie will give the guy a call.. Just a matter of whether he clears waivers or if he get gets a much better deal overall somewhere else. I think he would take much less money to come here.. I honestly do.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365285791' post='1426786']
No one can determine his success in the NFL until he is put in a defense that showcases his talents (3-4). A 4-3? I mean.. I saw a tweet from Ian Rapaport saying he told the Raiders from day 1 he wouldn't feel comfortable going so far away from home and they drafted him anyways. He is 23... I'm 22 and that would be so hard. He needs familiarity.. And having Upshaw and Cody (two guys who he was very good friends with at Bama) on the team is exactly that plus with Ozzie being a Bama boy then it brings even more. Ozzie is constantly around the Bama program and him and Rolando got familiar with each other over his 4 years. Ozzie will give the guy a call.. Just a matter of whether he clears waivers or if he get gets a much better deal overall somewhere else. I think he would take much less money to come here.. I honestly do.
[/quote]
I agree, and Clint--check your messages.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365281065' post='1426749']




The whole concept of a forum is both unproductive and a waste of time. There is no meaningful production, no work is done, no money earned, nothing is accomplished. So to point out one post on one thread as a waste of time seems redundant.

I will agree, however that it is pointless on my part to add to the unproductive nature of a thread by "kicking up a fuss". I will instead try to participate, but rationally.

I am assuming that your desire to add this player to the roster is something you feel is possible, base upon your original post.

The Ravens are fairly near their cap, after covering our draft picks and adding in a small cushion, there is not much room for adding anyone, much less a good player.

I understand the Raiders cut him due to his cap hit. Will this guy really take the kind of pay cut that would be required for him to join the Ravens, considering that there are many more teams with a lot more money that would happily snatch up and overpay a potentially good player? Serious question, what sort of offer do you think the Ravens are capable of making that this guy would seriously consider?

Rationally speaking I really do not see any more moves in FA at least until after the draft. Certainly I understand that there are lots of really good players that are literally slipping through our fingers, but a lack of cap space doesn't even allow us to look their way.

Another poster mentioned Dumervil. That was a different situation entirely. As I am sure you know he was released through a comedy of errors. The Broncos wanted to keep him and were willing to pay well to do so. He was a steal. Rolando was outright cut as part of a huge Raider purge. They didn't even try to keep him. I can only conclude that he was unwilling to consider a cut in pay or he was just not that good. In either case I do not see how or why the Ravens would or should try to pick him up.

If you know something more about this player, please enlighten me.
[/quote]

Rolando begged to be cut. Nothing to do with money and not accepting a pay cut or the fact that he was terrible. He is 23 and has only played on a 4-3 since being in the NFL. I played middle linebacker most my football career in both a 4-3 and 3-4, the difference is a lot more than even the average person on this board would think. Guys like Karlos Dansby, who switched from a 3-4 to a 4-3, are out of the norm and should be given the credit as so. Rolando does not possess that capability to move from scheme to scheme. He is a very productive player in a 3-4. Simply as that. If he comes here, he will suceed if he can mature. The maturing is a question mark but I would trust our players, coaching staff, and front office more than any other teams in the league to be able to accomplish that. His career can be turned around. Will it? Remains to be seen.. But it can and if it does, I believe he have fixed our ILB problem for the most part without even wasting a pick. Now, I do still believe he try to draft a WILL to come in and start next to him if we actually do get him. It's as simple as this, if he comes here and matures, he will be the answer IMO.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='Ray Ray Ravens' timestamp='1365282247' post='1426759']
The neanderthal in me smiles a little bit when I watch this.
[/quote]

Agreed

[Stephenjr]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365285791' post='1426786']
No one can determine his success in the NFL until he is put in a defense that showcases his talents (3-4). A 4-3? I mean.. I saw a tweet from Ian Rapaport saying he told the Raiders from day 1 he wouldn't feel comfortable going so far away from home and they drafted him anyways. He is 23... I'm 22 and that would be so hard. He needs familiarity.. And having Upshaw and Cody (two guys who he was very good friends with at Bama) on the team is exactly that plus with Ozzie being a Bama boy then it brings even more. Ozzie is constantly around the Bama program and him and Rolando got familiar with each other over his 4 years. Ozzie will give the guy a call.. Just a matter of whether he clears waivers or if he get gets a much better deal overall somewhere else. I think he would take much less money to come here.. I honestly do.
[/quote]Well,when I was 18 I joined the Navy and was shipped around the world making peanuts compared to these guys,so Boo Freaking Hoo!! That is just one more reason I don't want his sorry a$$ on our team!!

[Blackbirds Rule]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365281065' post='1426749']




The whole concept of a forum is both unproductive and a waste of time. There is no meaningful production, no work is done, no money earned, nothing is accomplished. So to point out one post on one thread as a waste of time seems redundant.

I will agree, however that it is pointless on my part to add to the unproductive nature of a thread by "kicking up a fuss". I will instead try to participate, but rationally.

I am assuming that your desire to add this player to the roster is something you feel is possible, base upon your original post.

The Ravens are fairly near their cap, after covering our draft picks and adding in a small cushion, there is not much room for adding anyone, much less a good player.

I understand the Raiders cut him due to his cap hit. Will this guy really take the kind of pay cut that would be required for him to join the Ravens, considering that there are many more teams with a lot more money that would happily snatch up and overpay a potentially good player? Serious question, what sort of offer do you think the Ravens are capable of making that this guy would seriously consider?

Rationally speaking I really do not see any more moves in FA at least until after the draft. Certainly I understand that there are lots of really good players that are literally slipping through our fingers, but a lack of cap space doesn't even allow us to look their way.

Another poster mentioned Dumervil. That was a different situation entirely. As I am sure you know he was released through a comedy of errors. The Broncos wanted to keep him and were willing to pay well to do so. He was a steal. Rolando was outright cut as part of a huge Raider purge. They didn't even try to keep him. I can only conclude that he was unwilling to consider a cut in pay or he was just not that good. In either case I do not see how or why the Ravens would or should try to pick him up.

If you know something more about this player, please enlighten me.
[/quote]

The reason the Ravens will try to pick him up is because of his Alabama roots. Ozzie, Cody, and Upshaw are familiar with him. According to his own words he wants to be great. Having an opportunity to be mentored by Ray and belong to a top class organization will be one thing that he won't turn down. I would assume the Ravens will offer him a highly incentivized deal that won't hurt our cap. It'll most likely be for a year or two at the most. He's 6-4, 23 years old and fast. He had a 99 tackle season with 5 sacks playing in a scheme where his plays were limited. I think his upside is too huge to pass on. Getting this kid allows us the flexibility to draft with one less must have spot for our team.

[TDubbs]

In the case of this player, this is the one situation where In Ozzie I Trust applies 100%. Having the Alabama roots, Ozzie will know everything about this kid. If he's a fit, we will definitely bring him in. If not, we'll draw the conclusion that there was a reason a team as bad as the Raiders cut a talented kid.

[jaege]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365286276' post='1426793']
Rolando begged to be cut. Nothing to do with money and not accepting a pay cut or the fact that he was terrible. He is 23 and has only played on a 4-3 since being in the NFL. I played middle linebacker most my football career in both a 4-3 and 3-4, the difference is a lot more than even the average person on this board would think. Guys like Karlos Dansby, who switched from a 3-4 to a 4-3, are out of the norm and should be given the credit as so. Rolando does not possess that capability to move from scheme to scheme. He is a very productive player in a 3-4. Simply as that. If he comes here, he will suceed if he can mature. The maturing is a question mark but I would trust our players, coaching staff, and front office more than any other teams in the league to be able to accomplish that. His career can be turned around. Will it? Remains to be seen.. But it can and if it does, I believe he have fixed our ILB problem for the most part without even wasting a pick. Now, I do still believe he try to draft a WILL to come in and start next to him if we actually do get him. It's as simple as this, if he comes here and matures, he will be the answer IMO.
[/quote]


See? I told you I was unfamiliar with the player. Hmmm. By your description, and I realize you are biased, he does sound like a good fit, short of that maturity issue. Still, can we afford him? That is really the big question. I honestly do not think we can afford anyone, not without some more painful cuts.That is the real crux of my argument against leaping at freshly cut players. The cost vs our cap.


But I see why you like him.

[jaege]

[quote name='Blackbirds Rule' timestamp='1365292811' post='1426830']
The reason the Ravens will try to pick him up is because of his Alabama roots. Ozzie, Cody, and Upshaw are familiar with him. According to his own words he wants to be great. Having an opportunity to be mentored by Ray and belong to a top class organization will be one thing that he won't turn down. I would assume the Ravens will offer him a highly incentivized deal that won't hurt our cap. It'll most likely be for a year or two at the most. He's 6-4, 23 years old and fast. He had a 99 tackle season with 5 sacks playing in a scheme where his plays were limited. I think his upside is too huge to pass on. Getting this kid allows us the flexibility to draft with one less must have spot for our team.
[/quote]


Wow he does sound good. Nice stats. You really believe he would take an iffy deal like that? And what Ray do you see him getting mentored by? Rice?

[ellicottraven]

Hmmm.... let's see - NO!

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

As many have already said, if we can get him for a [i]very[/i] reasonable contract, I would do it.

[gabefergy]

I find it amusing that this is like the 3rd or 4th Rolando McClaain thread. He has been on the verge of being cut at least 3 times. The Raiders just didnt play him last season because he was such a problem with the coaches. Seems to me like he feels way too entitled for an average player. Maybe he could come in here and help with our depth, but he will need to eat a big slice of humble pie starting with a minimal salary. I doubt he gets signed any time soon, perhaps after the draft if we miss on getting an ILB.

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1365319618' post='1427069']
I find it amusing that this is like the 3rd or 4th Rolando McClaain thread. He has been on the verge of being cut at least 3 times. The Raiders just didnt play him last season because he was such a problem with the coaches. Seems to me like he feels way too entitled for an average player. Maybe he could come in here and help with our depth, but he will need to eat a big slice of humble pie starting with a minimal salary. I doubt he gets signed any time soon, perhaps after the draft if we miss on getting an ILB.
[/quote]
To be fair, the coaches in Oakland aren't exactly the ideal people that come to mind if you want to keep someone in check

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365304235' post='1426984']



See? I told you I was unfamiliar with the player. Hmmm. By your description, and I realize you are biased, he does sound like a good fit, short of that maturity issue. Still, can we afford him? That is really the big question. I honestly do not think we can afford anyone, not without some more painful cuts.That is the real crux of my argument against leaping at freshly cut players. The cost vs our cap.


But I see why you like him.
[/quote]

I completely agree with the cost issue. That is the 2nd biggest question regarding this guy. I firmly believe in the right guy, right price mentality Ozzie and company have lived by. If he demands a high or guaranteed contract you will hear no dispute from me when we tell him to shove it. I think he is a strong candidate for the right player, right price because of everything as a whole surrounding him right now but I also believe he is the perfect candidate to come in and to be one of those steals Ozzie tends to be able to pull off. Why? Because I believe IF an organization CAN turn him around, then it's more than likely ours and if he does, then I also feel like he will surprise people with how much better his talents fit in a 3-4 over a 4-3. I just honestly seem him as a very likely signing and a very likely surprise. But I'll reiterate that is strictly dependent on his signing being very low risk in case it doesn't work out. Cut ties and no harm done.. No worries.

[Stephenjr]

[quote name='cushrinada1986' timestamp='1365323653' post='1427080']
Dont be an idiot, I know its hard for you but if your gonna make a post, make a point please.
[/quote]The people that have been watching football for more then the last 2 years know what I mean!! I would not expect you to understand!!

[Blackbirds Rule]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365304375' post='1426988']



Wow he does sound good. Nice stats. You really believe he would take an iffy deal like that? And what Ray do you see him getting mentored by? Rice?
[/quote]

As far as the contract goes if anyone has a chance at it would be Ozzie due to their relationship. He was only do $4 mil and if we offered him a way to make that same 4 through incentives maybe he takes it. By him being released I think he will want to make big money again but no one IMO will give him that this year. If he signs a 1 year deal and proves himself to be a top player then he'll get the money next year from some team. Ray Lewis said he's always available for the Ravens. I think if Ozzie brought him in to Baltimore he'd reach out and mentor Rolondo. It all falls on this kid if Ozzie never brings him in or talks to him that'll say a lot to me about this kid. From Rolondo's own words he wants to be a HOFer, coming here to us with all of the resources available could determine if he's talented enough to become that.

Perfect scenario he takes a 2 year deal with us works hard and stays trouble free. This allows us to focus more on a SS, LT, and WR in the early rounds of the draft. We can still draft an ILB later in the draft to replace him if he becomes too expensive.

[edthehead]

I do read alot here and you all have great points,BUT you can not deny the fact he will be 24 and has alot of talent, the kid is young, he made mistakes he was in a bad place and bad came from it, bring him in 2-3 yrs incentive base.now he is out of oakland he will have something to prove,perfect situation for him to fully thrive,My last point is this if the great OZ see a fit it will happen I am sure he is already checking the fact,,another last point is we will be able to focus on the dradt,,LT WR and a SS,just think if we can draft those 3 starters

[jaege]

[quote name='Stephenjr' timestamp='1365292008' post='1426824']
Well,when I was 18 I joined the Navy and was shipped around the world making peanuts compared to these guys,so Boo Freaking Hoo!! That is just one more reason I don't want his sorry a$$ on our team!!
[/quote]

I am going to have to second this sentiment. I was 18 when I joined the navy as well, and I did;t turn into a nut case. Although I did benefit from the rigid structure of the navy and didn't suddenly have buckets of money to do with as I pleased.


Of course, I am and always have been an Ozzie believer, so if he wanted to bring the kid in I would be good with that.

[Stephenjr]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365360772' post='1427222']
I am going to have to second this sentiment. I was 18 when I joined the navy as well, and I did;t turn into a nut case. Although I did benefit from the rigid structure of the navy and didn't suddenly have buckets of money to do with as I pleased.


Of course, I am and always have been an Ozzie believer, so if he wanted to bring the kid in I would be good with that.
[/quote]I agree if Ozzie wants him then I would back his decision 100%

[edthehead]

get'em !!!!!!!

[DMH_in_WA]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365360772' post='1427222']
I am going to have to second this sentiment. I was 18 when I joined the navy as well, and I did;t turn into a nut case. Although I did benefit from the rigid structure of the navy and didn't suddenly have buckets of money to do with as I pleased.


Of course, I am and always have been an Ozzie believer, so if he wanted to bring the kid in I would be good with that.
[/quote]

The problem I have with this analogy is that unlike the Navy, a career in the NFL can be, and usually is, extremely short. As of last year, the average NFL player lasts 3 seasons. If you are with a crap team, you could very easily spend your entire useful career playing for them and never making your mark.

With that mindset, I can understand why someone would want out of Oakland in the worst way. In fact, if there's someone who is content at being mediocre in a crappy organization because he got the $'s then I don't want him. I want the guy who is hungry to win .. hungry to leave a legacy .. hungry to play at a high level. Not saying he is that guy .. again, don't know enough about him ... but It's like those QB's who seem perfectly happy to stand on the sideline holding the clipboard and never playing. I wouldn't touch them with a 3 foot pole.

[dhstandard]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365278473' post='1426720']
What logic? What are you talking about? The fact that I find it annoying to see endless threads toting the merits of every scrub that is cut leads you to the conclusion that the Ravens should never sign anyone? Your point escapes me.
[/quote]

Players don't become free agents unless they are cut or their contract expires. If we should never talk about any player who is available then that means we shouldn't consider anyone.

[BMORElegacy]

Looking at him from an objective perspective, this has Ozzie written all over it.

1. Cut/released means we don't lose a comp pick and he'll come cheaper and with a chip on his shoulder.
2. His measurables are impeccable and comes from a system that didn't suit his abilities and a weak coaching staff (i.e. a 4-3 vs our 3-4).
3. We usually aren't afraid of character concern guys since our locker room is so strong from the FO all the way down to the 3rd stringers.
4. He fills a need at a position that we'll surely have competition at come training camp.
5. He's from Ozzie's Alma Mater so he surely has the inside scoop from Saban about his upside and how to best utilize him.
6. His potential is undeniable and Ozzie rarely passes up the opportunity to bring in a player with raw talent.

[jaege]

[quote name='dhstandard' timestamp='1365381475' post='1427504']
Players don't become free agents unless they are cut or their contract expires. If we should never talk about any player who is available then that means we shouldn't consider anyone.
[/quote]


You and I considering anyone is completely meaningless. I know that I have no influence with the decision makers on any NFL team, much less the Ravens, and I am going to take a wild leap here and conclude that you don't either.

I never said that the FO of the Ravens organization should not consider anyone. I implied that it is ludicrous for fans here to consider [u]everyone.[/u] Certainly "we" can talk about anyone we like, but I am reasonably certain that Ozzie does not consult this board to see where his next player is coming from.

[berad]

It's an ecological fallacy to say that every player in Oakland or Cleveland or something sucks just because the team sucks.

However, manure is manure whether its in the barn or out in the field. McClain just seems like a guy who doesn't get it, multiple run-ins with the law while he's been gifted the great opportunity that the NFL provides.