Rolando McClain to Baltimore (UPDATE)

Less than a week after clearing waivers to become a free agent, former Oakland Raiders and Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain may be close to ending his tenure in limbo.  Wednesday morning ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported via his twitter account that the young, talented, yet sometimes troubled linebacker may be close to signing with the Baltimore Ravens.

The move would make complete sense any way you spin it.  First of all the Ravens are in need of inside linebacker help upon the retirement of Ray Lewis and a weak NFL Draft class at the position. Second the move would provide McClain, who has found himself in trouble at points in his career, the stability he needs with a strong locker room and familiarity with his former Alabama teammates around him.

While McClain has not been able to always duplicate his collegiate success, the 2009 Butkus Award winner has the tools to turn things around in the NFL.  After all, you just can’t teach 6-foot-4 and 260lbs with 4.6 speed.  However, his physical attributes may be intriguing, but his greatest attribute may be his football smarts-a trait coaches raved about during his tenure at the University of Alabama.

Another thing to remember through this process: Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome have a close friendship dating back to their days in Cleveland.  In fact, it was Newsome who helped get Saban up to date with the traditions of the University of Alabama after Saban accepted the position in 2007.

The dots may be connecting.

Schefter reported that the two sides are meeting to iron out the unresolved issues, but here is to hoping it all turns around for the linebacker who led the Alabama defense en route to a BCS National Championship in January of 2010.

(UPDATE) Schefter has reported that McClain has agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens for a contract believed to be worth $700,000 and an additional $400,000 in incentives based on playing time.