Report: Patriots meeting with Rolando McClain on Monday

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The New England Patriots are reportedly hosting veteran linebacker Rolando McClain on a free-agent visit Monday, according to Field Yates and Todd Archer of ESPN.

A former first-round selection of the Oakland Raiders, a difficult start to his career both on and off the field saw McClain retire from football for the 2013 season before returning and joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2014.

Despite the year off and some injury issues throughout the regular season, McClain went on to have his most productive campaign yet, recording 81 tackles, two interceptions and one sack in 13 games.

The Cowboys have appropriately expressed interest in bringing the 25-year-old back on a new deal, but the apparent lack of progress in negotiations has given other teams the opportunity to get involved.

While Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo make for one of the league's best linebacker corps, Bill Belichick and his staff could certainly adjust the Patriots' defensive scheme and substitution packages to create another role for McClain's talents in the event the two sides reach a deal.