Seattle Seahawks release former Buffalo Bills LB Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks are releasing linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who just signed with the team in free agency last March. Dodson began his NFL career by signing with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and spent four seasons with Buffalo before hitting free agency.

Could Dodson find his way back to One Bills Drive now that he’s no longer wearing the green dot and calling the games and protections as part of Seattle’s plans? It’s far from a guarantee, but there may be no better choice than for Dodson to rejoin head coach Sean McDermott and Co.

Buffalo and its fans know full well who Dodson is as an NFL linebacker. Once considered a liability in most regards, Dodson made a name for himself as a run stopper in the 2023 NFL season in place of the injured Matt Milano.

Why did the Seattle Seahawks release Tyrel Dodson?

Not much is known about why Dodson was shown the door. The move came just as the Seahawks were wrapping up their bye week and following a trade from Seattle to sign linebacker Ernest Jones IV, widely viewed as Dodson’s replacement.

As Field Gulls’ Mookie Alexander explained:

“Dodson had some issues with coverage breaks against the pass and was one of the reasons for Seattle’s shaky run defense, but keep in mind he just moved from ‘Mike’ linebacker to ‘Will’ linebacker following the Ernest Jones IV trade . “Obviously that wasn’t enough to keep his job.”

It’s an odd move by the Seahawks to move on so soon after signing Dodson to a one-year, $5.51 million contract. At this point in the season, Dodson has about $1.3 million left on his current contract should a team make a waiver claim for him.

Where do the Buffalo Bills pick in the current 2024 waiver wire system?

With Dodson now entering the waiver wire protocol, any team can claim him based on an assigned order. This also includes his former employer in the invoices. For the first three weeks of this season, the order was based on the 2024 NFL Draft and each team’s records from 2023. At this point in the season, the waiver wire priority only reflects the 2024 records, putting the Bills in the claim process are in 30th place. It’s unlikely that Buffalo is the only team interested in Dodson, as other big-name parties like the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers are also strong candidates.

What are Tyrel Dodson’s 2024 stats with the Seattle Seahawks?

A “defensive quarterback,” Dodson played a key role at linebacker for the Seahawks. In nine games as a starter, Dodson totaled 71 tackles (65 solo), two sacks, three quarterback hits, two pass defenses and one forced fumble.

Will the Buffalo Bills claim Tyrel Dodson if given the opportunity?

Only One Bills Drive currently knows the answer to this question. It makes too much sense for them not to claim him if he makes it past the 29 teams ahead of Buffalo in the process.

However, the Bills just opened Matt Milano’s 21-day practice window, and they found second-year linebacker Terrel Bernard playing decently alongside Dorian Williams. Still, the next four games will be a daunting challenge for Buffalo, and it’s always a good idea to have all hands on deck.

Should Dodson find his way back to Buffalo, he would assume a reserve role. The bonus is the experience he gained as a starter for the Bills in 2023 and through nine games in Seattle.