SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 12: Linebacker Rolando McClain #55 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after tackling running back Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks in the first half at CenturyLink Field on October 12, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Cowboys defeated the Seahawks 30-23. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain reached a deal with the team to retain that same title.

McClain was set to become a free agent today, but was able to come to terms with the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year, $5 million contract, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

McClain has started in 23 of his 24 games with the Cowboys. The 26-year old linebacker had 50 tackles this season, along with two sacks, 30 assisted tackles, and one interception for  a touchdown.

McClain retired from the NFL at the age of 23 after signing with the Ravens just one month earlier. But after Sean Lee was set to miss the 2014 season, the Cowboys acquired him from the Ravens for a sixth round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and exchanging 2016 seventh round picks.

In the summer of 2015, the NFL came down on McClain with a four game suspension for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. His suspension, along with Greg Hardy’s and injuries to Sean Lee and Randy Gregory kept the Dallas defense weak for much of the early part of last season.

Keeping McClain is a big piece, when you consider the injuries the Cowboys have had on that side of the ball, leading to some inconsistency, and often times weakness. The short length of the contract also offers up minimal risk for the Cowboys, as McClain has had trouble staying on the field at times.

About Harry Lyles Jr.

Harry Lyles Jr. is an Atlanta-based writer, and a Georgia State University graduate.