Tag: Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

The Seattle Seahawks were displeased with their linebacker play in the middle of the season. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald decided to call an audible. The team acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Since then, the Seahawks have also released Tyrel Dodson. They began the campaign with Baker and Dodson at off-ball linebacker, and that duo has since been swapped out for Jones and day-three rookie Tyrice Knight. It appears to be a shrewd decision, particularly with Jones playing fantastic football against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s critical Week 11 victory within the NFC West.

Jones recorded a team-high 13 tackles. A run defense that’s struggled with tackling and gap discipline at times this season limited 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry. Backup running back Jordan Mason, who played well in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season, rushed for 13 yards via two carries.

“This defense, I look to my left and see. T-Knight [Tyrice Knight], I look behind me and I see ‘Spoon [Devon Witherspoon] and those safeties,” Jones said about the Seahawks’ defense following the 49ers victory. “We can go out there [as a defense] and play with anybody. We showed what we are. We played physically and with discipline. I think we can be something special,” Jones concluded.

Jones’ evaluation of Seattle’s defense is accurate. Poor linebacker play and discipline at times held back Macdonald’s unit from reaching its capable productivity earlier this campaign. Jones has completely transformed the defense.

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Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

The Seattle Seahawks made the surprising decision to release starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson earlier this week. Dodson was leading the Seahawks in tackles with 71 and has since been claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins. The move will catapult rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight into the starting lineup opposite Ernest Jones IV.

Jones was recently acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans that sent linebacker Jerome Baker and a mid-round 2025 draft pick to Nashville. In two appearances with the Seahawks thus far, Jones has recorded 24 tackles and one pass breakup. On Thursday, he discussed the team’s decision to release Dodson and promote Knight with members of local media.

“He hasn’t played that many games,” Jones said about Knight. “He doesn’t have experience on his side, but he comes to work every day. You can tell he’s a good player. He can flow and mimic the ball carriers. I feel confident in knowing that he’s going to execute on Sunday [versus the San Francisco 49ers]. We need to communicate and make it simple for him. I’ve been traded twice [this season], nothing surprises me,” Jones concluded when asked if Dodson’s departure surprised him.

The No. 119 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Knight played college football at UTEP. The rookie fourth-rounder had previously been playing a rotational role for the Seahawks. Heading into Sunday’s showdown versus the 49ers, Knight has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots due to injury, the athletic linebacker posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Seahawks will require that type of effort from Knight to slow down Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers on Sunday.

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Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks pulled a stunner earlier this week when they released starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. Dodson has since been claimed by the Miami Dolphins off waivers. The move should afford rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight an opportunity to start next to Ernest Jones IV in a new-look linebacker corps.

A fourth-round rookie out of UTEP, Knight has played sporadically for the Seahawks defense this season. The rookie No. 119 overall selection has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots, Knight posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dodson led the Seahawks in tackles prior to his release with 71 takedowns. Dodson had also been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays, accounting for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps.

The Seahawks had however been displeased with Dodson’s performances and the overall state of their linebackers. Macdonald is unhappy with a 26th-ranked run defense that is allowing 139.4 yards per outing. Knight, who was an outstanding run defender in college, could prove to be an eventual upgrade if the Seahawks give him an opportunity, while staying patient with his development.

The Seahawks return from their Week 10 bye to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. Former Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey has returned for the 49ers. Knight and the new-look Seahawks defense will face a difficult challenge in their first post-Dodson test.

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Dolphins claim ex-Seahawks, Bills LB off waivers

The Dolphins claimed Tyrel Dodson, who was the highest graded LB in the entire NFL last season on PFF.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Former Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyrel Dodson is the newest member of the Miami Dolphins after he was claimed off waivers Tuesday, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.

Dodson, 26, was a surprising release for Seattle after joining the team on a one-year, $4.26 million contract in the offseason. Through nine games with the Seahawks, he was the team’s leading tackler with 71 and he added two sacks, five tackles for loss, and two pass deflections. One of those two sacks was the hit that eventually sidelined Miami quarterback Skylar Thompson.

“It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson],” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said of the decision. “We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity. I hope those guys grab the opportunity by the horns. This also gives Tyrel [Dodson] an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the season strong.”

Prior to joining the Seahawks, Dodson began his career with the Buffalo Bills. In his fourth and final season with the team, Dodson had a breakout campaign, finishing the year with 2.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a stellar 90.2 grade on PFF — highest in the entire league at the position.

So far this season, he has a 65.8 grade.

The Dolphins began the year with Jordyn Brooks and David Long Jr. in the starting lineup, but recently benched Long in favor of Anthony Walker Jr.

To make room for Dodson on the 53-man roster, the Dolphins moved tight end Tanner Conner to the injured reserve.

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Dolphins claim former Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson

Dolphins claim former Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks waived linebacker Tyrel Dodson on Monday in a shocking move to revamp their struggling linebacking corps. It did not take long for the former Buffalo Bill and Seattle Seahawk to find a new NFL home.

Dodson is retuning to the AFC East, albeit this time as a Miami Dolphin, as reported by NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.

Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker were signed this offseason as replacements for Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks, who both departed in free agency. In a grand twist of fate, Dodson now joins forces with Brooks, who signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins this offseason .

Since Miami claimed Dodson on waivers, the ‘Phins are now on the hook for the remaining $1 million on his salary. While this isn’t much in the grand scheme of NFL salary caps, this transaction does save the Seahawks a bit of money.

Perhaps it can be reinvested in getting an extension done for Ernest Jones IV, who is playing on the final year of his contract. Seattle is interested in keeping him past this year, and signing him sooner than later will be helpful.

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Former Bills linebacker surprisingly cut, could he return?

Former Bills linebacker surprisingly cut, could he return?

In a surprise move, the Seattle Seahawks have made a former Buffalo Bills linebacker available for hire in the middle of the 2024 NFL season.

The Seahawks (4-5) have released Tyrel Dodson. The 26-year-old only signed in Seattle this past offseason after his 2023 season in Buffalo ended and he became a free agent.

Most interestingly, Dodson made 71 tackles for the Seahawks defense, a team-high, and he also totaled two sacks, two pass breakups, and five tackles for loss … and while he was released, he started all nine games for the team this year.

Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald explained that others were just going to get a chance now.

“We took a step back and realized where we were at,” Macdonald said about the move. “It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson]. We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity.”

Paired alongside Jerome Baker from the Miami Dolphins on a similar one-year deal, Dodson and Baker were slated to replace Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks at linebacker in 2024. That clearly did not go according to plan, as Dodson departs Seattle after Baker already had weeks ago.

Depending on price tag, Dodson is a name to keep in mind for the Bills defense.

He originally signed as an undrafted free agent in Buffalo after the draft, came up through the ranks, and had a solid 2023 season before leaving. That indicates the Bills coaching staff certainly believes in the player.

And the linebacker spot has had a few injuries in it this year. Currently Baylon Spector (calf) is on injured reserve. Matt Milano (knee) has been designated to return but still is weeks out.

And on top of all that, Dodson does know the Bills defense already having spending years in it. He could be destined for Buffalo once again.

Bills Wire will provide updates as information is made available.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks made the shocking and unforeseen decision to release linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract on Monday. Prior to the move, Dodson had been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays. That accounted for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps heading into Week 11.

Dodson leads the Seahawks in tackles with 71. The versatile ‘backer had also totaled two sacks, two pass breakups, and five tackles for loss. On Monday, Macdonald explained the logic behind the decision to release the proven Dodson from his contract.

“We took a step back and realized where we were at,” Macdonald said about the move. “It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson]. We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity. I hope those guys grab the opportunity by the horns. This also gives Tyrel [Dodson] an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the season strong.”

The Seahawks signed Dodson to a one-year deal worth up to $5.51 million in free agency. His contract was actually $4.26 million with the ability to earn additional money via performance-based incentives. The Seahawks are inheriting $1 million in dead money, per Spotrac. If Dodson goes unclaimed on waivers, Seattle will owe him the remaining $4 million of his salary.

The Seahawks have been displeased with their linebacker play all season long. General manager John Schneider signed Dodson and Jerome Baker to be the linebacker pairing in the offseason. That strategy has backfired miserably. Seattle currently ranks 26th in run defense (139.4/game). Baker was recently traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, meaning both Week 1 starting linebackers are no longer on the roster.

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Seahawks sign former 1st round pick to practice squad

Seahawks sign former 1st round pick to practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks made various roster moves on Monday afternoon, the most shocking of which was releasing starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. General manager John Schneider made other additions and subtractions to the roster. In perhaps the most unforeseen move, Schneider signed former first-round pick N’Keal Harry to the practice squad.

Harry initially entered the league as the No. 32 overall selection of the New England Patriots in the 2019 NFL Draft. In three seasons at Arizona State, Harry totaled 2123 receptions for 2,889 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Patriots, the pick backfired in a major way.

Harry struggled to generate separation as a receiver, a concern that was mentioned throughout his pre-draft process. Harry thrived as a contested-catch winner in college. That did not carry over to the NFL.

Harry eventually landed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. He made the surprising decision to switch positions to tight end. Given his failure to separate from cornerbacks as a wide receiver, playing a less-athletic position was done in an attempt to salvage his career.

Harry hasn’t stuck on any NFL roster as a tight end either. The Seahawks currently have Noah Fant, Brady Russell, AJ Barner, and Pharaoh Brown at tight end on the 53-man roster. Harry joins Tyler Mabry on the practice squad. Seattle’s coaching staff will attempt to develop the failed first-round pick into a usable player.

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Seahawks sign CB Josh Jobe to active 53-man roster

Seahawks sign CB Josh Jobe to active 53-man roster

The Seattle Seahawks are wasting little time as they return from their Bye Week. On Monday, they released linebacker Tyrel Dodson in a shocking move to revamp their linebacking corps. Replacing him on the 53-man roster is cornerback Josh Jobe, who was signed off the practice squad.

In the NFL, sometimes all a player needs is an opportunity, and Jobe has certainly seized his. We wrote over the weekend how strong Jobe’s play has been in the three games he has participated in. Jobe has proven himself to be a formidable defender, something quarterback Josh Allen learned the hard way as the first interception he threw this season was to No. 29 on the Seahawks.

Seattle is at a major inflection point for the year. At 4-5, their season hangs in the balance. Their 3-0 start and lead on the division has evaporated entirely, and are now facing an uphill battle if they want to return to the playoffs or even claim their first NFC West crown in nearly half a decade. If they are going to turn it around, they will need their defense to get back to how it was playing in the first month of the season.

Clearly, the Seahawks believe Josh Jobe is a player who can help the team turn it around.

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Seahawks to release starting LB Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to release starting LB Tyrel Dodson

The United States may be enjoying a holiday today, but time does not stop for the NFL, or the Seattle Seahawks. On Monday, some major news was broken by ESPN’s Brady Henderson.

Henderson dropped an unexpected bombshell that the Seahawks were releasing linebacker Tyrel Dodson. This comes as a massive change to Seattle’s struggling defense, as Dodson had started all nine games for the Hawks.

Seattle brought Dodson over this offseason from Buffalo on a one-year deal. Paired alongside Jerome Baker from Miami on a similar one-year contract, Dodson and Baker represented an interesting decision from the Seahawks to replace Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks with less expensive options.

Nine games into the season, it is safe to say this strategy has failed to a spectacular degree. Baker was traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, who was an immediate upgrade at the position right from the get-go. Now, they have moved on from their other offseason acquisition midway through the season. Both players were only contracted for a single season in Seattle, and neither made it through the year.

Dodson finished his stint with the Seahawks with 41 solo tackles (second most on the team, behind Pro Bowl safety Julian Love), two pass defenses, two sacks and one forced fumble. Presumably, Dodson’s departure opens up an opportunity for rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight, who has 23 total tackles on the year.

At 4-5, Seattle is looking for answers to right the ship. Especially since they are in last place, and their division rivals created separation this weekend.

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