Ozzie Newsome has said that newly-signed linebacker Rolando McClain will have to earn his place in the Baltimore Ravens' 53-man roster for the 2013 NFL season.

The former Oakland Raiders player joined the Super Bowl champions last week, having been released by the AFC West side earlier this month.

Speaking at a news conference, the Ravens general manager told reporters: "Rolando is just [being] given an opportunity to make our 53-man roster. That's it.

"I think the guys in the locker room will be able to provide him with the proper guidance as to the way [head coach] John [Harbaugh] wants his football players to be."

The 23-year-old's first three seasons in the league have been marred by off-the-field incidents, including several arrests for driving and firearms offences.