Free Agent Rumors: Jameel McClain Will Visit Vikings

Nov 28, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain (53) reacts after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 22-20 during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings are doing visits with free agent linebackers…which if you’ve looked at their roster lately, is something you know they basically have no choice about.

This team desperately needs linebackers. Earlier this week they had our old pal Jasper Brinkley in for a look. The next man in at Winter Park will reportedly be former Ravens LB Jameel McClain.

McClain also has drawn interest from the Giants and Bills.

The 28-year-old McClain went undrafted in 2008 coming out of Syracuse. He caught on with the Ravens as a UDFA and remained there until 2013, a solid accomplishment for a guy who wasn’t drafted.

McClain made his first career start in 2009. He started 15 games in 2010, finishing third on the team in tackles.

A spinal cord contusion landed McClain on IR after 13 games in 2012, casting his career in doubt. He returned for 2013, playing in 10 games and notching 52 tackles. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the number 53 outside linebacker in the league.

He was recently cut by the Ravens in a cap-related move.

Obviously, the Vikings are willing to kick the tires on anyone and everyone who can play linebacker. McClain would come in as a Will backer, and would have to be seen as at least a marginal upgrade over the 2013 starting combo of Marvin Mitchell/Desmond Bishop (for like a quarter and a half)/post-DUI Erin Henderson.

Yeah, that’s not exactly a high standard to surpass.

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