Amazingly, the trade never came together.
The Raiders are doing what has been expected for a month, parting ways with linebacker Rolando McClain, PFT has confirmed. The transaction was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Technically, he’ll be waived, meaning teams will have to put in a claim if they want the former No. 8 overall pick.
McClain issued the following statement to PFT, acknowledging things hadn’t gone as planned: “I’d like to thank the Raiders for giving me an opportunity to play in the NFL. I’m disappointed that it hasn’t worked out better, but I’m very excited and thankful for the Raiders allowing me to get a fresh start. I will miss my teammates and wish them and the Raiders organization good luck going forward.”
Getting rid of McClain continues an offseason of high-profile purges by General Manager Reggie McKenize.
Top-10 picks Michael Huff and Darrius Heyward-Bey were released, and high-cost trade acquisitions Richard Seymour (free agent) and Carson Palmer (traded for peanuts) are gone as well.
To grade McKenzie on what he’s built so far seems unfair, since he’s clearly still razing the mistakes of others and clearing away the rubble.