Tag: Tyrel Dodson

How much will Tyrel Dodson get in free agency? Case for, case against Dolphins re-signing LB

Did Tyrel Dodson show enough in his limited time with the Dolphins to be brought back in 2025?

Tyrel Dodson was brought to Miami to provide depth at linebacker behind Anthony Walker Jr. after he was surprisingly waived by the Seattle Seahawks in November. However, Dodson proved to be the better option for the Dolphins down the stretch, especially when he was given the chance to start.

Dodson became a late season star for the Miami defense. Despite his limited time on the field, he led the entire Dolphins defense with three interceptions on the season.

His best performance came in Week 17 in a win against the Cleveland Browns when he recorded 15 tackles and an interception, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Between his time in Seattle and Miami, Dodson totaled 107 tackles, three interceptions, five tackled for loss, two sacks, and four quarterback hits in 2024.

The linebacker group is one of the many positions where Dolphins general manager Chris Grier will have to make tough decisions during the offseason. While Jordyn Brooks is under contract for two more years, Dodson, Walker, and Duke Riley are all set to become free agents this offseason.

Dodson played in 2024 on a one-year deal worth $4.2 million. Considering he just had his best ever season, re-signing Dodson to another one-year contract might be a bit more expensive, but still feasible. The question is whether Dodson’s performance with the Dolphins was enough for Grier to prioritize bringing him back?

Case for re-signing Dodson

Grier has a lot of work to do to get the Dolphins under the salary cap, but he should be able to find the money to lock down Dodson to another one-year deal.

Dodson, 26, is entering his sixth season after his best as a pro. He was a force for the Dolphins defense in the tackling department and created turnovers.

With Brooks under contract for two more years, re-signing Dodson would give Miami a pair of starters at inside linebacker. That would allow Grier to focus on Miami’s other needs in the 2025 NFL draft.

Dodson proved to be the best fit at inside linebacker last season alongside Brooks. Keeping Dodson will maintain stability for a linebacker group that has seen significant turnover the last couple seasons.

In Dodson’s three starts with the Dolphins, he proved to be an upgrade from both Walker Jr. and David Long Jr. (who was waived upon Dodson’s arrival). Dodson should be able to solidify himself as a consistent starter for the Dolphins in 2025 if given a full offseason and training camp to work with the team.

Case for letting Dodson walk

Dodson’s impressive 2024 campaign and strong finish with the Dolphins will catch the eye of teams needing linebacker help. The Rams, Broncos, and Buccaneers are three teams with more cap space than the Dolphins and a need at linebacker. That could end up pushing Dodson out of the Dolphins price range.

There are also other paths the Dolphins could go to address the need. Maybe Grier decides to spend more money at a top free agent linebacker such as the 49ers’ Dre Greenlaw or Chiefs’ Nick Bolton. Or he could go with a cheaper option by re-signing Walker Jr and/or Riley.

Considering the Dolphins already have Jordyn Brooks set to make a $11.5 million cap hit next season, Grier will probably look to the more cost-friendly options. Walker and Riley are among the cheaper options to re-sign, and they’re even more familiar with the Dolphins personnel than Dodson.

Otherwise, there are many other linebackers the Dolphins will get to choose from in free agency and the NFL draft.

Prediction:

The Dolphins will prioritize the interior offensive line and safeties before linebackers, which likely means Dodson will get a better offer elsewhere.

Even though Dodson is coming off a career season and impressive finish with the Dolphins, the limited time he spent in Miami makes it difficult to prioritize bringing him back off of just a couple great performances.

Grier has more pressing matters to address. It is likely Dodson spends 2025 -playing in another jersey.

Prediction: Broncos sign Dodson to a one-year, $6.5 million deal

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Bills add two draft selection in latest compensatory 2025 NFL draft pick projection

Bills add two draft selection in latest compensatory 2025 NFL draft pick projection

Over the Cap projects the Buffalo Bills will gain two draft compensatory selections in April’s draft.

The Bills will receive these picks in response to the losses of Gabriel Davis and Leonard Floyd last offseason. Davis signed a three-year, $39 million contract with Jacksonville, while Floyd penned a two-year, $20 million contract with San Francisco.

Teams earn compensatory picks when they have a net loss of qualified free agents over an offseason. The formula also considers the player’s average salary per year, snap counts, and awards.

Buffalo also lost key players Dane Jackson and Tyrel Dodson during the 2024 free-agency period.

Buffalo added Curtis Samuel and Austin Johnson.

With the contracts for Floyd and Davis far exceeding the deals for Samuel and Johnson, it appears the Bills are in line for compensatory picks. In the formula, the signings of Samuel and Johnson will most likely balance out with the Jackson and Dodson contracts.

Currently, Buffalo holds eight draft picks:

  • Round 1
  • Round 2
  • Round 2: from Houston in Stefon Diggs trade
  • Round 4
  • Round 4: from Chicago
  • Round 6
  • Round 6: from Cleveland in Amari Cooper trade
  • Round 6: from New York Giants

The NFL will officially award teams their compensatory picks in March. However, projecting these picks can help teams plan for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Former Texas A&M LB Tyrel Dodson named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Former Texas A&M LB Tyrel Dodson was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Former Texas A&M linebacker Tyrel Dodson has carved out a nice career as a pro after going undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft.

Dodson has already lasted longer than expected for an undrafted player in a league where the average is a little over three years and even less for linebackers. He spent four years in Buffalo before signing with Seattle in 2024, but halfway through the season, he would be traded to the Dolphins.

Sunday would mark his best game of the season with 15 tackles, 1 TFL, and one interception in the 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns. That performance earned him the Week 16 AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Acquiring Dodson was a wise decision; another standout performance from him could push the Dolphins toward a wildcard spot, especially with playoff aspirations still alive.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

Dolphins LB earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors

Tyrel Dodson became the first AFC linebacker in eight years to notch at least 15 tackles with an interception in a game.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson is the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, the NFL announced Tuesday.

Dodson, 26, recorded an interception, a quarterback hit, and 15 tackles in the Dolphins’ 20-3 win against the Cleveland Browns. The last time an AFC linebacker recorded at least 15 tackles and an interception was Vontaze Burfict in 2016.

The Dolphins claimed Dodson off waivers in November after he was surprisingly let go by the Seattle Seahawks, despite making nine starts with two sacks and 71 tackles with the team. After making the addition, Miami cut ties with veteran linebacker David Long Jr.

Dodson has been a backup for the Dolphins, but was forced into starting duties after Anthony Walker Jr. suffered an injury that kept him out in Week 17.

The Dolphins didn’t have any Player of the Week winners this season through the first 11 weeks, but Dodson is the fourth in the last six weeks after Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Sieler, and Jason Sanders earned the distinction.

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Dolphins player of the game, Week 17: LB Tyrel Dodson

Tyrel Dodson was all over the field for the Dolphins defense in his second start since joining the team in November.

On a day when the Miami Dolphins defense held the Cleveland Browns to just three points, Tyrel Dodson deserves plenty of credit for his stellar performance.

It was the best showing of the season by the Dolphins defense, and it came at a great time, considering the absence of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Dodson was thrust into the starting lineup in the place of injured linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. Dodson seized the opportunity and led the way for the Miami defense with 15 tackles — the highest single-game tackle total by a Dolphins player this season — including a key third-and-goal stop that kept Browns running back Jerome Ford out of the end zone.

Dodson’s most impactful play was an interception of Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the second quarter.

Dodson was acquired by the Dolphins in November after he was surprisingly waived by the Seahawks. He has now started in two games for Miami and led the defense in tackles both times.

For the most part, he’s contributed as a rotational linebacker with snaps on special teams since arriving in South Florida. His 15-tackle performance should earn Dodson a larger role behind Walker and Jordyn Brooks, if not a full-time starting gig.

The Dolphins defense is riding some momentum and playing with confidence as they enter the final game of the season against their division rival New York Jets, with a playoff berth potentially on the line.

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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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