As NFL free agency continues to wind down, the pick of the lot grows thinner which has made Los Angeles Rams safety T.J. McDonald one of the more valuable players still available.
However, the hard-hitting safety has not garnered much interest since the start of free agency. According to Field Yates of ESPN, McDonald has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2017 NFL season:
Source: free agent S T.J. McDonald has been suspended for the first 8 games of the 2017 season.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 29, 2017
Although it has not been confirmed, his suspension likely stems from a DUI charge he received in May 2016. He later plead guilty to a reckless driving charge in January. Despite teams being made aware of McDonald’s current playing status, the four-year veteran has already garnered some interest:
On the same day McDonald learned of his fate, he visited the Dolphins. First visit for the former Ram. https://t.co/XA0I1lQhnv
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 29, 2017
There was speculation McDonald was likely not going to return to Los Angeles after the team let his contract expire. The Rams selected McDonald in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft and he has started in 53 games for them since.
The decision to let him walk is interesting given the current state of the Rams secondary which has been bludgeoned with uncertainty, especially at the safety position. Los Angeles signed a former Wade Phillips disciple in Kayvon Webster, who is expected to compete for the No. 2 corner spot. This leaves either E.J. Gaines or Lamarcus Joyner up for a position switch.
Fortunately, this is the year of the defensive back as this upcoming draft is loaded with talent. This year is as a good a time as any to take full advantage of it.
