Cowboys' Brinkley Signing Doesn't Affect McClain Desire

By Mike Fisher | @fishsports

IRVING (105.3 THE FAN) -- Free-agent middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley found a new home, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Cowboys on Thursday. But that doesn't mean Dallas has changed its mind on Rolando McClain making Valley Ranch his home.

Brinkley rejoined the Vikings in 2014 after playing one season with Arizona. He was originally a 2009 fifth-round draft choice of the Vikings.

Last year, he played in all 16 games, starting 11 of them. He finished fifth on the team in tackles with 85 and had two tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble. He had three special teams tackles and a blocked punt.

He's a two-down middle linebacker, coming off the field on passing downs -- and is seen, ideally, as a backup in Dallas, where the preference is to start the unsigned McClain in the middle flanked by Sean Lee and young Anthony Hitchens.