Miami Dolphins

Dolphins cut Dion Jordan, sign suspended safety T.J. McDonald

Published Mar. 31, 2017 4:45 p.m. ET

New Miami Dolphins safety T.J. McDonald will miss the first half of the 2017 season while serving an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

MIAMI (AP) -- Defensive end Dion Jordan was released Friday by the Miami Dolphins, solidifying his status as a draft bust.

Jordan started one game and totaled three sacks after being taken with the No. 3 overall draft pick four years ago.

Jordan was reinstated by the NFL in July following a 15-month suspension for his latest violation of the league's substance abuse policy. He spent last season rehabilitating from knee surgery and hasn't played since 2014.

The former Oregon star's release had been expected, and he was waived after failing a physical.

Jordan's departure coincided with the signing of free agent safety T.J. McDonald, who will miss the first half of the season while serving an eight-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

McDonald was arrested last May in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence. He said he's glad he'll be able to take part in offseason team activities, training camp and preseason games before beginning his suspension.

"The one thing I can do is earn the respect for my work -- through camp and OTAs -- of my teammates and the coaches, and provide a spark when I can," McDonald said after his signing was announced. "Week 9, I'll be chomping at the bit."

McDonald spent the past four seasons with the Rams, starting 53 games, and totaled four interceptions. He started every game last year and said it was difficult being a free agent with the suspension looming.

"I just got to be hungry, stay clean and be open and honest about everything, and make sure that this doesn't happen in the future," he said. "My back is up against the wall. I'm just happy to be able to move forward with this, and to be able to just get back to playing ball."

A third-round pick by the Rams in 2013, McDonald will compete for playing time in Miami with Michael Thomas, Walt Aikens and newcomer Nate Allen opposite starting safety Reshad Jones.