While linebacker Rolando McClain opted to return to Dallas, re-signing with the Cowboys today, the Patriots made a competitive offer to the former eighth overall pick. According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (via Twitter), New England offered McClain a $4MM contract that was structured similarly to the Dallas deal, which has a $3MM base and $1MM in incentives. If the money was equal, McClain likely made his decision based on the familiarity of the Cowboys’ system, as well as the opportunity for more playing time.
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two East divisions:
- There’s a chance the Dolphins make a trade to acquire either a veteran guard or cornerback right before or during the draft, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. According to Salguero, one potential cornerback target is Brandon Boykin, whom the Eagles are said to be willing to trade. Evan Mathis is another possible trade option for Miami, with Philadelphia reportedly open to considering a deal for just about anyone if the price is right.
- Speaking of Eagles trades, safety Malcolm Jenkins says he and his teammates weren’t too shocked by the team’s decision to send LeSean McCoy to the Bills last month. “You look at the style of runner that Chip [Kelly] wants in his offense and even though Shady is one of the best backs in the league, he’s not necessarily what Chip is looking for all the time,” Jenkins said, per NFL.com. “Chip thinks he’s a great running back, he knows his talent is there, but our (system) is really predicated on downhill, somebody who is going to hit the hole every time.”
- The Eagles hosted UCLA edge defender Owamagbe Odighizuwa for a pre-draft visit yesterday, a source tells Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com (Twitter link).