The Seattle Seahawks have made a surprising move, releasing linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who had just joined the team this past March. Dodson’s NFL journey began in 2019 when he signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. After four seasons in Buffalo, he hit free agency and signed with Seattle, where his tenure lasted less than a year.
With Dodson now available, could a reunion with the Bills be in the cards? While it’s not a certainty, there is a strong case for Buffalo to consider bringing him back, especially with head coach Sean McDermott familiar with Dodson’s skills and work ethic.
Dodson’s time with the Bills was marked by improvement. Initially viewed as a liability in several aspects of the game, he developed into a dependable run stopper, particularly stepping up to fill in for an injured Matt Milano during the 2023 season.
Why Did the Seahawks Release Tyrel Dodson?
The reasons behind Dodson’s release are not entirely clear, but there have been some reports suggesting that coverage issues and his role in the team’s shaky run defense may have been factors. After a trade to bring in linebacker Ernest Jones IV, Dodson was moved from his usual “Mike” linebacker position to “Will.” Despite the change, it wasn’t enough to secure his spot on the roster.
It’s also worth noting that the Seahawks had signed Dodson to a one-year, $5.51 million contract, which makes this decision even more puzzling given the timing. With about $1.3 million remaining on his deal, Dodson now enters the waiver wire protocol, making him available to any team with a need for linebacker help.
Dodson’s 2024 Performance in Seattle
In his nine starts for the Seahawks, Dodson tallied 71 total tackles (65 solo), two sacks, three quarterback hits, two pass defenses, and one forced fumble. As Seattle’s “defensive quarterback,” he played a key role in calling plays and managing the defense, but his coverage struggles and difficulties against the run may have been too much for the Seahawks to overlook.
Could the Buffalo Bills Claim Dodson?
The Bills have a chance to bring Dodson back, but they would need to act quickly in the waiver process. At this point in the season, Buffalo ranks 30th in the waiver wire priority, based on their 2024 record. While it’s unlikely that the Bills will be the only team interested, they do have an advantage in that Dodson is familiar with their system and coaching staff.
However, Buffalo’s linebacker situation is somewhat stable, with second-year player Dorian Williams stepping up alongside Terrel Bernard. Additionally, the team just opened Matt Milano’s 21-day practice window, and they may not feel an immediate need to claim Dodson. Still, with some challenging games ahead, having an experienced linebacker like Dodson in the fold could provide valuable depth.
If Dodson returns to Buffalo, it’s likely to be in a reserve role, but his experience as a starter, particularly in 2023, would make him a valuable asset as the Bills look to bolster their defense for a playoff push.
