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Miami Dolphins: T.J. McDonald is Best Safety Option Available

By Mark Morales-Smith

Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) and Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) shake hands after the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) and Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) shake hands after the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Dolphins still need help at safety. Free agent T.J. McDonald is the best available, and the team needs to consider offering a contract.

The Miami Dolphins must upgrade the safety position, which isn’t some newfound revelation. Signing Reshad Jones to a well-deserved extension was a key move, but losing Isa Abdul-Quddus was a major hit to the secondary. Nate Allen cannot be relied upon to be a full-time starter and Miami must make a move to put a better starting safety opposite Jones.

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The best player available by a long shot to fill the void is former Los Angeles Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald. Jones has the talent and versatility to play either safety spot and McDonald would be an outstanding addition next to him.

The major concern surrounding McDonald is a potential suspension stemming from a May 2016 arrest for reckless driving when he struck a parked car while under the influence. He plead guilty in January and will likely face a two-game suspension from the NFL.

However, this could very well benefit Miami. They could get an excellent player for a discount price and would then Allen would from being a liability to an asset. While he’s not a strong 16-game starter, he’s more than capable of holding down the fort for a few weeks. Then, McDonald can step in and be a big time upgrade for the Phins.

The former third-round pick out of USC just turned 26 years old and has already shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Rams. In 2014 he amassed 105 tackles and two sacks. He followed that up with a 63 tackle season in just 11 games and a bit of down year last season. However, he still led the Rams secondary in snaps, playing 1,069 defensive plays. With the Rams defense in flux he still managed to pile up 64 tackles, a sack and two interceptions.

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With his numbers a bit down last season more due to situation than ability and a pending suspension, he will come at a bargain price and may be an absolute steal for the team that gets him. The Dolphins need to take a long, hard look at McDonald and seriously consider being that team that snatches him up. Unless they plan to use a high draft pick on a safety, this is the move Miami has to make.

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