OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens veteran inside linebacker Jameel McClain is scheduled to visit the Denver Broncos today.
The inside linebacker market has gotten off to a slow start with players like McClain in a holding pattern.
Now, the former undrafted free agent from Syracuse is getting some action.
McClain, 26, ranked second on the Ravens in tackles last season behind Pro Bowl middle linebacker Ray Lewis. The 6-foot-1, 245-pounder recorded 84 tackles, one sack, his first NFL interception, five pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.
McClain has said that he prefers to remain with the Ravens.
"Baltimore is home," McClain told the Times before free agency began. "It's a great organization with a lot of great players. Staying there would be the ideal situation. We all know how this game goes. This game shakes up in many ways. It's a business. If it was totally up to me, I would choose the Ravens. I'm hoping that phone rings for me, but there's only one call I really want to hear."
McClain played last season under a $1.85 million second-round restricted tender.
McClain beat out Dannell Ellerbe and Tavares Gooden for the starting inside linebacker job two years ago, and he hasn't relinquished his grip on the position.
He had 91 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in his first season as the starter two years ago. In four NFL seasons, McClain has 209 career tackles, 4 ½ sacks and three fumble recoveries.
No matter where he signs, McClain expects to be a big contributor.
"They're going to get somebody that goes all-out and pushes themselves and everybody next to them to the limit," McClain said. "I'm an all-around player. I'll be a leader in the community who will represent the organization well on and off the field."
