The Adam Jones Show: Are Patriots Back To Experimenting With High-Risk Players?
BOSTON (CBS) - On Wednesday night, 98.5 The Sports Hub's Adam Jones opened the show discussing the Patriots' contract offer to linebacker Rolando McClain, who eventually signed back with the Dallas Cowboys.
Looking back at his NFL career, which started in Oakland, it has been a troubled one. Following his third arrest in as many years, one of which involved discharging a firearm, McClain announced his retirement shortly after signing with the Ravens in 2013.
McClain, 25, spent last season with the Cowboys and recorded 81 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two interceptions in the 13 games he played in. After a stellar season with Dallas in 2014, McClain finished second in voting for NFL Comeback Player Of The Year.
Adam Jones cannot comprehend why the Patriots would want a guy like this on their team.
"I don't get it. I think he would be a luxury item with this Patriots team. He's a good football player no questions asked, but is he playing over [Jerod] Mayo, [Dont'a] Hightower, or [Jamie] Collins if healthy? Probably not," said Jones. "The Patriots did not even need Mayo last year to win the Super Bowl. That's even before you get to the off-field question marks: gun charges, assault and PEDs, plus he retired from football in 2013. How much does he possibly love the sport?"
Rolando McClain signed back with Dallas on a one-year deal worth $3 million with another $1 million in playing time incentives. The Patriots reportedly offered a similar contract to McClain.
When you juxtapose McClain's visit to New England with owner Robert Kraft's testimony earlier this week at the Aaron Hernandez murder trial, it's not a good look according to Jones.
"At what point can this organization roll the dice on another guy with major off-field questions as they relate to weapons charges? McClain is not just a gun owner, he's been reckless with weapons. That kind of guy I don't know when the time limit is going to be up -- it may never be up," said Jones.
The Patriots offering a contract to McClain means one thing, and that is everyone is in play no matter their background, according to Rich Keefe.
"Almost all of those [bad character] guys are back on the table," said Keefe. "You can't just write those guys off anymore for the Patriots."
Listen to the full segment:
