The Miami Dolphins agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free-agent safety T.J. McDonald on Friday. McDonald played all 16 games for the Los Angeles Rams last year and recorded 64 tackles, two interceptions and one sack.

Terms: One-year contract

Grade -- C-plus: This is a tough one to grade, because it has to be on a curve. McDonald is a solid young player who likely would have received more interest in free agency if not for his eight-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

What it means: The Dolphins are fully aware they need help at the safety position. So much so that they are willing to wait half the season to get McDonald on the field. McDonald will get to work out and learn the system during the offseason program and training camp. The suspension kicks in at the start of the regular season. McDonald is a good player who could turn out to be a starter by the end of the year.

What the risk is: The Dolphins are signing a player who cannot help them until late October or early November. That's the biggest risk with this signing. When the NFL schedule is released in April, we will know the exact date that McDonald is eligible to return.