The Seahawks are hitting the reset button at linebacker. Again.
Well that was unexpected.
The Seattle Seahawks are shaking things up out of their bye week. Having just traded linebacker Jerome Baker a couple of weeks ago in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, Seattle is outright releasing starting weakside linebacker Tyrel Dodson. ESPN’s Brady Henderson was first on the story.
Another major shakeup to the Seahawks’ inside linebacker corps: I’m told they plan to release Tyrel Dodson, who’s started all nine games this season.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) November 11, 2024
What were Tyrel Dodson’s stats?
Dodson was Seattle’s leading tackler with 71 total tackles (65 solo), recording two sacks, three QB hits, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble. He had the role of the “green-dot” linebacker, relaying the defensive calls from the sidelines.
How much did Tyrel Dodson cost?
The former Buffalo Bills player signed a one-year deal worth up to $5.51 million in free agency. His contract was actually $4.26 million with the ability to increase his earnings through performance. It’s safe to say that’s not happening. Dodson had a $1 million signing bonus, which means Seattle takes $1 million in dead money.
Why did the Seahawks move on from Tyrel Dodson?
Your guess is as good as mine. Dodson has had some issues with coverage busts against the pass and he’s been one of the reasons for Seattle’s shaky run defense, but keep in mind he only just moved from “Mike” linebacker to “Will” linebacker after the Ernest Jones IV trade. Evidently that wasn’t enough to keep his job.
Was Dodson waived or released?
We’re past the trade deadline, so veterans like Dodson are subject to the waiver wire. If he goes unclaimed, then Seattle will owe him the full $4 million for his outright release.
What does this mean for the rest of the Seahawks linebacker group?
Ernest Jones IV will most likely assume the green dot duties now that he’s a few weeks into Mike Macdonald’s system.
This is a big opportunity for fourth-round rookie Tyrice Knight, whose only playing time on defense this season has either been garbage time or replacing an injured Jerome Baker. If you wanted to see the rookies get developmental snaps in what is on the cusp of being a lost season, you’re getting it.
The Seahawks started the offseason by moving on from Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks in free agency, replacing them with Dodson and Jerome Baker on decent-sized one-year contracts, and neither one of them made it beyond the bye week. Good stuff!