T.J. McDonald Reportedly Suspended 8 Games by NFL Stemming from May Arrest

Free-agent safety T.J. McDonald was suspended for the first eight games of the 2017 NFL season Wednesday as punishment for a May 2016 arrest on DUI and drug charges.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the news. 

McDonald, 26, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Rams. He recorded 64 tackles and two interceptions in 2016, playing in all 16 games.

In January, McDonald pleaded guilty to a reckless driving charge involving drugs or alcohol after crashing into a parked car in May. He was sentenced to three years' probation and an undisclosed fine, along with court-mandated alcohol classes and community service.

An eight-game suspension is a little outside the NFL norm for DUI cases. Recent suspensions in similar cases have typically been of the two-game variety. McDonald has no known history of substance abuse issues, so it's possible he could appeal the ban.

Either way, the impending suspension is likely a reason he's still a free agent. McDonald ranked 58th among safeties last season under Pro Football Focus' metrics but graded out as an above-average pass defender. He's also started all 53 of his career games through his first four years; this isn't a player lacking in NFL experience.

If signed, McDonald will be eligible to participate in offseason workouts and preseason games. His suspension would begin following the conclusion of his team's fourth preseason contest.