Rolando McClain was an unexpected star of the defense for the Dallas Cowboys in 2014. Although he had injury issues that reduced his effectiveness as the season wore on, he was still a key factor in helping the defense climb out of the woeful hole it was in during the 2013 season. Many fans have been somewhat dismayed that the Cowboys have not re-signed him. The team has reportedly made him a low offer which he is not happy with, but Dallas was content to play the waiting game as no real competition for his services had materialized.
That may be changing.
From @FieldYates and myself, Cowboys LB Rolando McClain visiting Patriots today. Competition for Dallas now.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 30, 2015
Although a visit is not a contract offer, if things go well, New England may resort to the time honored practice of not letting him leave the building. Even if he does not sign immediately, this is likely to decrease McClain's willingness to take the lowball deal that is on the table in Dallas. It appears that the two most likely outcomes are that the Cowboys will either lose him to the Patriots (at least it's not the Philadelphia Eagles, who seem to be going after former Cowboy Miles Austin and his oft-injured hamstrings) or they will have to pay more for him. The interest from New England might also cause some other teams to come sniffing around.