The Buffalo Bills will not be reuniting with former linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who has instead signed with a division rival. Dodson was unexpectedly waived by the Seattle Seahawks this week despite starting all nine games for the team and leading them with 71 total tackles. While there had been speculation that the Bills might bring Dodson back to address their linebacker depth, the Miami Dolphins ultimately claimed him off waivers.
Dodson originally joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2019, spending much of his first season on the practice squad before becoming a more prominent part of the defense in 2020. Over four seasons in Buffalo, he appeared in 68 games, recording 143 total tackles and 4.5 sacks.
Although the Bills were considering Dodson as a potential addition to help fill in for injured linebackers Matt Milano and Baylon Spector, the Dolphins were higher on the waiver priority list and secured his services. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald explained that the team decided to release Dodson to give other linebackers, including rookie Tyrice Knight, a chance to step up. Rather than demote Dodson from the starting lineup, Macdonald expressed the desire to give him a chance to find a new team where he could continue to play a significant role.
“We really appreciate T-Dot,” Macdonald said. “He’s worked extremely hard, rehabbed throughout the offseason here. It was the best thing for us to move forward and give the other guys an opportunity to step up, while also giving Tyrel a chance to find another spot where he can finish the year strong.”
On a positive note for the Bills’ defense, head coach Sean McDermott announced that the team has activated the 21-day practice window for Milano’s return from his torn pectoral injury. While Milano has been ruled out for this week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, McDermott expressed optimism about Milano’s recovery and said the team would assess his progress on a weekly basis.
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