After spending some time in the offseason with both the Baltimore Ravens Washington Redskins, McClendon was selected by the Los Angeles Wildcats, where he backed up Josh Johnson at quarterback, until the cancellation of the 2020 XFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[12][13] McClendon was able to beat out Myers in the quarterback competition, forcing Meyers to start playing the wide receiver position.

[6] With Finley fully entrenched as the starting quarterback of the NC State, McClendon only appeared in 3 games, and only attempting 3 passes.

Baylor would come back from behind, and win on a Charlie Brewer touchdown pass to Denzel Mims with 7 seconds remaining.

[26] McClendon would not receive another start in 2018, and remained as the backup quarterback for the rest of the year, playing occasionally in 9 games in 2018.

[32][33][34] However, on May 17, 2019, McClendon and defensive tackle Kalil Morris were waived and subsequently cut from the Ravens to free up roster spots for Shane Ray and Michael Floyd.

[37] On August 11, 2019, McClendon was signed by the Washington Redskins after Josh Woodrum was placed on injured reserve for a torn pectoral muscle.

The Vipers folded when the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL).