Busting on the division rivals: Cowboys trade for a retired guy

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ravens linebacker (or rather quasi-unemployed linebacker) Rolando McClain was traded to the Cowboys along with a seventh round pick to the Cowboys for their sixth round pick.

In April, according to ESPN's Seth Wickersham, McClain sent ESPN a text announcing his retirement. Here's what the text read.

"I gotta follow my heart. It ain't football. If football made me complete I would play. But whenever I think of it my heart pulls me away from whatever reason. ... This means I'm done."

That was actually the second time McClain retired, however, the Ravens still owned his rights.

McClain was the eighth overall pick of the Raiders in the 2010 draft. He was the prototypical inside linebacker coming out of college -- 6'4", 249 pounds, 33" arms, and 4.68 speed. However, he achieved "bust" status after playing just three seasons, and not so well according to NFL Films' Greg Cosell.

McClain also racked up a laundry list of arrests, and was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. Raiders football consultant Chuck Smith severely criticized McClain's attitude after the trade was reported:

Essentially, the Cowboys moved back from the sixth round to the seventh round to bring in McClain, likely to help offset the loss of Sean Lee for the season. Many are calling it a "low risk" acquisition. However, if the Cowboys aren't good this year (a very real possibility) and the Ravens are, it could be a difference of 50+ draft slots.

While the cost isn't high, the Cowboys gave up something for a twice-retired ineffective player with a bad attitude and a lengthy rap sheet who admitted 71 days ago that his heart isn't into football.

Here's Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome texting his other GM friends around the league.

Jerry Jones, please live to be 150.

Follow Jimmy on Twitter: @JimmyKempski