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Rolando McClain acquired by Dallas Cowboys

Published: Jul 01, 2014 at 09:51 AM

Gregg Rosenthal

Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host

We thought that Rolando McClain had retired for good in April. But the NFL just can't give up on the former Alabama linebacker.

The Dallas Cowboys acquired Rolando McClain from the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, according to the league's official transaction wire. The teams also swapped 2016 seventh-round picks.

The Cowboys are desperate for help at inside linebacker after losing Sean Lee for the season, but we'd still consider McClain a long shot to wind up helping them. He's hardly a lock to make the team, much less the starting lineup.

McClain wasn't in shape for a workout with the Ravens in April, and he's lacked motivation since getting drafted No. 8 overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2010. He said he was "done" only two months ago, telling his Twitter followers to "follow your heart."

McClain's heart has changed. NFL Media's Albert Breer spoke with agent Pat Dye, who confirmed that McClain wants to play football again.

Lee was also officially played on injured reserve Tuesday.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" debates Jay Cutler's ceiling and looks back at the NFL in the '90s.

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