The Miami Dolphins signed suspended safety T.J. McDonald on Friday to a one-year deal.
McDonald will serve his eight-game suspension at the start of the 2017 season, but Miami will still have his services for the second half of the year. The suspension came due to McDonald's violation of the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
In May of 2016, McDonald was arrested and eventually he pleaded no contest to one "wet reckless" charge. McDonald received 36 months of probation for that charge and the league has opted to also take action. As long as McDonald can stay out of any trouble, he should have no issue returning to the field for Miami's ninth game.
In his four seasons with the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams, McDonald has had some big moments. The safety has four career interceptions including two in 2016. Due to the suspension, it is likely that the Dolphins signed McDonald for less than he would typically get on the open market. The one-year pact will allow McDonald to try and hit the market again next year for a more lucrative deal.
In addition to the picks, McDonald can throw an offensive game plan into pandemonium. During his 53 NFL games, McDonald has deflected 18 passes and has tallied 215 solo tackles. The 26-year old also has five career sacks and one forced fumble.
McDonald will take Isa Abdul-Quddus' spot on the roster for Miami, after the veteran was released earlier this off-season. Starting opposite McDonald in the second half of the year will be Reshad Jones. Until McDonald can suit up, Miami figures to turn to Nate Allen across from Jones.
After ending a playoff drought this past season, Miami has plenty to work with. The team will still likely look to make a few more tweaks over the next few months.
