The Miami Dolphins were visiting with former Los Angeles Rams safety T.J. McDonald on Wednesday when news broke that free agent was suspended eight games by the NFL for a DWI case he resolved earlier this year.
Surely, both the Dolphins and McDonald knew a suspension was coming. Now, two days later, Miami has reportedly signed the 26-year-old defensive back.
FILED TO ESPN: The #Dolphins have agreed to terms with free-agent safety T.J. McDonald despite eight-game suspension, according to a source.
— James Walker (@JamesWalkerNFL) March 31, 2017
It’s definitely an interesting move for the Dolphins. One can easily conclude that it’s a low-risk signing that adds depth to an area of weakness for the team. Veteran Nate Allen signed with Miami earlier this offseason after two substandard seasons with the Oakland Raiders. As of now, he will be battling it out with Michael Thomas for the starting free safety spot in Miami.
As it relates to McDonald, he was a four-year starter for the Rams after they selected the USC product in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. McDonald recorded 62 tackles, six passes defended and two interceptions last season.
There’s no reason to believe he can’t earn the starting job once the safety returns from suspension.