The Seattle Seahawks have cut their starting linebacker and leading tackler

The Seattle Seahawks entered their Week 10 bye last Sunday having lost four of their last five games, prompting first-year head coach Mike Macdonald to reevaluate the program, particularly on defense.

Macdonald made one change by waiving midfielder Tyrel Dodson, the team announced Monday. The move was a surprise considering Dodson started all nine games this season and led the team in tackles. Dodson had 71 total tackles, along with five tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and two passes defensed.

Dodson’s release continues the restructuring of the position. The Seahawks acquired Ernest Jones IV as part of a trade with the Tennessee Titans that sent Jerome Baker to Tennessee on October 23.

Dodson signed a one-year, $4.26 million contract with the Seahawks in March after spending his first five seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

Without Dodson, Drake Thomas, an undrafted free agent in 2023, or rookie Tyrice Knight, a fourth-round pick (No. 118) in the 2024 NFL Draft, are the candidates for the starting role.