Dolphins sign T.J. McDonald despite 8-game suspension

The fact T.J. McDonald has to sit out half the upcoming season didn't keep him from finding a new home in free agency.

The Miami Dolphins have reached a deal to sign the former Los Angeles Rams safety, the team announced Friday.

McDonald was suspended for eight games earlier this week in relation to a May DUI arrest that also included drug charges.

While the punishment impacts his value early on, the Dolphins are evidently comfortable with taking a chance in hopes of a potential payoff later.

McDonald played four years with the Rams after joining the club as a third-round pick in the 2013 draft.

The USC product hit the free-agent market March 9 after a season in which he tallied 64 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed, and one sack in 16 starts.