No Reunion for Buffalo Bills and Former Linebacker Tyrel Dodson
The Buffalo Bills won’t be reuniting with their former linebacker, Tyrel Dodson, who was recently claimed by the Miami Dolphins, a division rival. Dodson’s release from the Seattle Seahawks came as a surprise, especially since he started all nine games this season and led the team with 71 tackles. Many thought the Bills might pick up Dodson to help cover their linebacker needs, but the Dolphins were able to claim him first.
Dodson joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2019, spending his rookie season on the practice squad before stepping into a larger role in 2020. During his four seasons in Buffalo, he played in 68 games, recording 143 tackles and 4.5 sacks. With injuries affecting Bills linebackers Matt Milano and Baylon Spector, there was hope Dodson might return, but the Dolphins’ waiver position allowed them to claim him.
Seahawks head coach Mike McDonald explained that releasing Dodson was part of the team’s plan to open opportunities for other linebackers, including rookie Tyrice Knight. Macdonald emphasized that rather than demoting Dodson, they preferred he have a chance to contribute elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the Bills could see an improvement on defense soon, with head coach Sean McDermott announcing that linebacker Matt Milano’s 21-day return-to-practice window has been activated. Although Milano was ruled out for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs, McDermott noted that his recovery from a torn pectoral is progressing well.