Former Los Angeles Rams S T.J. McDonald signs with Miami Dolphins despite suspension

The Miami Dolphins signed free agent safety T.J. McDonald on Friday despite an eight-game suspension to start the 2017 season.

The 26-year-old McDonald received a one-year veteran minimum contract, according to the Miami Herald.

McDonald, who started 53 games for the Los Angeles Rams over the last four years, was suspended by the NFL on Wednesday for half of the 2017 season for violating the league's policy for substances of abuse. He learned of his suspension during his free agent visit this week with the Dolphins.

The penalty stems from a May arrest after McDonald crashed into a parked car, leading to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of drugs.

McDonald pleaded guilty in January and was sentenced to 36 months of summary probation, a $390 fine plus penalty assessments, a three-month alcohol program, 200 hours of court-approved community services and 18 narcotic anonymous classes.

The 6-foot-2, 217-pound McDonald owns four-year career totals of 285 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions, 17 passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He played in all 16 games in 2016 and posted 64 tackles, one sack, career-high two interceptions and six passes defensed.

McDonald originally entered the NFL as the Rams' third-round pick (71st overall) out of USC in the 2013 NFL draft.

The Dolphins were looking for depth at safety opposite Reshad Jones, who recently signed a five-year, $60 million contract extension.