Dodson getting claimed off waivers impacts how much money the Seahawks still owe their former starting linebacker.
A day after his somewhat unexpected exit from the Seattle Seahawks, former starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson has found his new team. And it’s a team that already features another former Seahawks starting linebacker.
Which team claimed Tyrel Dodson?
Tuesday’s NFL transactions update notes that Dodson was claimed off the waiver wire by the Miami Dolphins. This will bring Dodson back to the AFC East, where he began his career with the Buffalo Bills. Miami has already played Buffalo twice and probably won’t be in the playoffs, so Dodson won’t be playing his former team again this year.
How much money did the Seahawks pay Tyrel Dodson?
Dodson signed with the Seahawks as an unrestricted free agent on a one-year deal worth $4.26 million. An additional $1.25 million in incentives could’ve seen his final number reach $5.51 million. He hadn’t hit any of his incentives at the time of his departure, but he did amass $1.25 million of his $2.25 million salary through weekly game checks, $1 million in signing bonus money, and $240,000 in per game roster bonuses.
What does Tyrel Dodson getting claimed mean for the Seattle Seahawks?
The Seahawks no longer have any contractual obligation to pay Dodson. Miami assumes the remainder of Dodson’s contract, including his per game roster bonuses and his base salary.
Had Dodson not been claimed, the Seahawks would’ve owed Dodson all of his money except the incentives, and Dodson would’ve negotiated a new contract as an unrestricted free agent. It’s not a ton of money ($1 million + roster bonuses) but it’s not totally insignificant.
Dodson joins fellow ex-Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks on a team that is 3-6 after Monday’s upset win over the Los Angeles Rams. Much like Seattle, the playoffs look unlikely for the Dolphins, but the AFC wild card picture is quite weak and Miami is “only” two back of the seventh seed.
Best wishes to Tyrel on his new team.