Rolando McClain not expecting a holdout

Oakland Raiders rookie linebacker Rolando McClain, the eighth overall pick of the NFL draft, isn't expecting to be a holdout.

His goal is to be at training camp on time.

The eighth overall pick last year, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Eugene Monroe signed a five-year, $35.4 million deal that included $19.2 million in guaranteed money.

“We haven’t started contract talks,” McClain told the Decatur Daily. “I’m not sure where we are on that. I leave that to (agent) Pat Dye Jr. and the Raiders. I just play football.

"I’m not looking to sit out. In order to play for the team, I need to be in training camp. I’m going to OTAs and not worried about the contract.”

McClain said he's been impressed so far with the Raiders' talent level.

“Everybody works hard and everbody does things to make good plays," he said. "But when you’re in the NFL, everybody is pretty good.”

And McClain, who won the Butkus Award last season as the nation's top linebacker, said he's well-prepared thanks to Alabama coach Nick Saban.

“When I think about my collegiate football days, I give a lot of credit to coach Saban,” he said. “I had to do a lot on my part, but mentally he prepared me better than anybody else I know. A lot of my success is because of him.”

Follow me on Twitter: RavensInsider

Comments

Add a Comment