Tag: Tyrel Dodson

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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Rams WR Puka Nacua ejected for throwing punch at Seahawks LB Dodson

Rams WR Puka Nacua ejected for throwing punch at Seahawks LB Dodson

Whenever the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams play each other, you can almost always expect it to be a physical and chippy matchup. But sometimes, even by these two teams’ standards, it can get a little more intense.

Towards the end of the first half, trailing 6-3, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford uncorked a pass for second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua, which was intercepted by Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen. Three plays later, Geno Smith found his second-year receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown to give Seattle a 10-point lead.

But the touchdown was not the only thing Los Angeles suffered on the interception. After the ball was picked, Nacua was flagged for throwing a punch on Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson. This was more than egregious enough for the officials to immediately disqualify Nacua from the rest of the game.

Nacua’s sophomore season has been a struggle so far. Nacua missed five games after Week 1 due to a PCL injury, and was only recently reactivated last week for Thursday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Nacua was questionable going into this game, but ultimately was ready to suit up.

Although Nacua only caught one reception for 11 yards on four targets, his absence is a blow to Los Angeles’ offense… even if Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp is in the lineup.

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Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson says switching positions will unlock his potential

Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson says switching positions will unlock his potential

The Seattle Seahawks acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow ‘backer Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones will make his Seahawks debut against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Head coach Mike Macdonald recently said that he’ll play the MIKE linebacker position, forcing Tyrel Dodson to switch over to the weak-side [WILL] spot.

It represents a change in approach, because Dodson had actually been playing MIKE linebacker this season. Dodson, who played the weak-side linebacker position in Buffalo throughout 2023, believes the switch will lead to him recapturing his best form.

“We’re still working on that [who will be playing where],” Dodson told reporters on Thursday. “I’m a team-first guy. Moving over to the WILL [linebacker] position, it’s still linebacker at the end of the day. It’s not that much different. I’ll get to play in space a little bit more. I played it last year in Buffalo. You’re covering running backs out of the backfield. You’re in space covering tight ends. I had my best year at this position last year in Buffalo. Hopefully I have my best year again. I’m looking forward to it,” Dodson added.

Pro Football Focus has credited Dodson with an overall defensive grade of 68.1. The former Texas A&M standout has been especially stellar in coverage, earning a 75.5. Playing weak-side linebacker will ask him to defend running backs and tight ends in space more frequently. Last year, Dodson had an elite grade of 89.5 while playing the WILL in Buffalo.

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What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

The Seattle Seahawks acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday in exchange for Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones will immediately step into Seattle’s starting lineup opposite Tyrel Dodson. He brings aggression and violence to Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have largely been displeased with the outputs of their run defense this season. Entering Sunday’s Week 8 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle is allowing a 28th-ranked 146.1 rushing yards per contest. Macdonald has routinely criticized the linebackers for missing tackles and playing with poor gap discipline.

Jones could help solve Seattle’s issues. The former South Carolina standout ranked second on the Titans in tackles (44) at the time of his departure. That will also rank second on the Seahawks, with Dodson and Julian Love (55) tied for the team-lead mark.

Jones is a downhill linebacker with outstanding read-and-react ability. Pro Football Focus has assigned him a stellar grade of 68.4 as a run defender this season. That’s notably higher than what Baker (62.6) and Dodson (54.0) have earned this season.

Jones has also been credited with 19 total stops. Jones has missed three tackles, which equals Dodson’s missed-tackle total to date, but is notably lower than Baker’s (6). That alone could help improve Seattle’s run defense.

If there’s one area of Jones’ game that requires improving, it’s coverage. He’s been credited with allowing 12 receptions on 14 targets this season for 151 yards and a passer rating allowed of 111.6, en route to a coverage score of 54.0. The Seahawks will likely continue using Dodson as their main coverage ‘backer, as he’s performed significantly better in man and zone situations, allowing 14 catches on 20 targets for 141 yards, and a passer rating of 89.8.

Jones is an excellent linebacker. The Seahawks were awfully familiar with him from his Los Angeles Rams & NFC West days. Jones is a big-time upgrade for Macdonald’s defense.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

The Seattle Seahawks upgraded their defensive corps on Wednesday by trading Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Ernest Jones IV. Jones should immediately help improve Mike Macdonald’s defense. Coach Macdonald already spoke about the player, even offering details on where he fits in the starting lineup.

“He loves football, he’s tough as nails, and we’re excited to get him here,” Macdonald said about Jones. “We’re working through that [his position] right now, but we’ll probably put Ernest at MIKE [linebacker] and have Tito [Tyrel Dodson] at weak-side linebacker right now,” Macdonald said when asked if Jones would step into Baker’s weak-side role.

It’s notable because Dodson had been playing MIKE linebacker in Seattle’s defense this season. Instead of having Jones fill Baker’s previous weak-side role like-for-like, the Seahawks plan to have Jones swap roles with Dodson.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have been dissatisfied with the state of their defense, particularly in the run game. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider has made aggressive moves in recent weeks to acquire Jones and defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris. Having Jones and Dodson swap positions is another tweak to Macdonald’s in-progress defense.

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Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson discusses run defense struggles

Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson discusses run defense struggles

The Seattle Seahawks have consistently struggled to defend the run this season. Mike Macdonald’s defense has allowed 868 rushing yards, fifth-most in the league, through six contests. They’re also allowing 5.0 yards per carry, fourth-worst in the NFL.

Starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson was one of many offseason acquisitions tasked with helping Macdonald install his preferred defense. Dodson, paired with fellow free-agent signing Jerome Baker, have occasionally struggled at off-ball linebacker. The latter recently discussed why the defense is struggling to defend the run, using an interesting analogy to get his point across.

“If one brick is out of the wall, the whole wall is going to fall down,” Dodson said, referring to the run defense being a collective issue. “So everyone has to be on the same key of music, and then when it gets to the back end, we’ve got to make those plays. It starts with the linebackers, because when you think of the run game, you think of linebackers stopping it. Me and [Jerome Baker], we’re going to take full ownership of that. I’m going to fix it. We’re going to be a better defense.”

The Seahawks visit the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. The Falcons rank 21st in rushing, producing 113.7 ground yards per game. The metrics aren’t impressive, but Seattle must prove capable of slowing down running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

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