Jerry Jones 'disappointed' in Rolando McClain but unlikely to cut troubled LB

The Cowboys owner says cutting ties with McClain isn't a smart financial move for the franchise

Two years ago, the Cowboys surprisingly traded for linebacker Rolando McClain, who had retired twice since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2010. For two seasons, the move worked out, as McClain appeared in 24 games and started 23. He recorded 161 total tackles, three sacks, and three interceptions. This March, the Cowboys signed him to a one-year, $4 million contract with a $750,000 signing bonus.

Just four months later, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is "disappointed" in his linebacker. His disappointment probably stems from McClain's absence from voluntary OTAs and, of course, McClain's 10-game suspension, which the NFL handed down at the end of June.

"Disappointed is the word," Jones told the Star-Telegram. "It is a recognition that these dependency issues are a difficult thing to address. We are proud of everything that we've gotten from Rolando. His aptitude as a football player is almost unsurpassed as one of the best that I've seen. We all say it's such a waste, but with us, knowing him, we've got the best that he's done in pro football."

Jerry Jones is "disappointed" in Rolando McClain, but doesn't sound like he wants to cut him. USATSI

To make matters worse for the Cowboys, pass-rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory will miss the first four games of the season due to their own suspensions. McClain's suspension is more severe because this isn't his first violation of the league's substance-abuse policy.

And that leaves the Cowboys in a tricky situation. They can keep McClain on the roster and hope he makes an impact in the final stretch of the season when the Cowboys are in the hunt for a playoff spot, or they can cut ties with him now.

Though the Star-Telegram reported that sources said the Cowboys haven't decided yet, Jones doesn't sound like he wants to cut McClain, who forfeited his signing bonus. As the Star-Telegram explained, if the Cowboys release McClain, they won't be able to recover their money.

"The main thing is strategically, [financially], it's not good for us," Jones said, "and he doesn't take up an active spot on the roster [during the season]."

The Cowboys did at least draft Jaylon Smith this year, but Smith isn't expected to play this season due to a knee injury. For a team that appears to be in win-now mode, lacking a starting-caliber middle linebacker for over half of the season might doom their playoff chances.