Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Miami Dolphins sign suspended safety McDonald

By Brian Miller

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) pushes on Los Angeles Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) after being brought down by him during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) pushes on Los Angeles Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) after being brought down by him during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Miami Dolphins either think former Rams safety T.J. McDonald will have his suspension reduced or they are fine with carrying a player who won’t play for half of the season.

A short while ago the Dolphins themselves announced that the troubled safety has joined their team.

McDonald is a four-year NFL veteran who has started 53 games including all 16 games the last two seasons. The Dolphins are hoping that he can provide depth and challenge recently signed safety Nate Allen.

The head scratcher however is that McDonald is suspended for the first eight games of the NFL season after pleading guilty to reckless driving involving drugs. McDonald told reporters that he was in part signing with Miami to get away from the West Coast and start over.

"“I’ve just got to be hungry, stay clean and be open and honest about everything and make sure this doesn’t happen in the future. I don’t have any wiggle room. My back is up against the wall. I’m just happy to be able to move forward with this and be able to just get back to playing ball. It’s all about ball for me right now.” – via the Palm Beach Post"

McDonald was ranked at our near the top 50 free agent players in this years free agency rankings but the suspension that was announced last week was probably known to interested teams. He has no room for error as it’s being reported the contract is for league minimum and not guaranteed.

Miami is however getting a set of fresh legs for the 2nd half of the season. Hopefully as they are making another playoff push. During the suspension McDonald will able to participate in all off-season workouts and training camp but will immediately be placed on the inactive list when the season begins. At which time he will not be able to meet with the team until his suspension is up.

It’s a low risk high reward type of signing and could pay off well for Miami in November and December.

The move could also indicate that the Dolphins might no longer need to make safety one of their draft priorities.

Home/Dolphins News