The Buffalo Bills won’t be bringing back former linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who has instead joined a division rival.
Dodson was unexpectedly waived by the Seattle Seahawks this week, despite leading the team with 71 tackles through nine games. There had been speculation that the Bills might sign Dodson to help bolster their linebacker corps, particularly with Matt Milano and Baylon Spector recovering from injuries. However, Dodson was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins.
Dodson originally joined the Bills in 2019 as an undrafted free agent, spending most of his first year on the practice squad before earning a more significant role in 2020. Over his four seasons in Buffalo, he played in 68 games, recording 143 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
While the Bills were considered a possible landing spot for Dodson, the Dolphins had the higher waiver priority and secured him. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald explained that the decision to release Dodson was made to give other linebackers, including rookie Tyrice Knight, a chance to step up. Macdonald emphasized that the team wanted Dodson to have an opportunity to find a new team where he could continue playing an important role.
“We really appreciate T-Dot,” Macdonald said. “He’s worked extremely hard, rehabbed throughout the offseason here… We wanted to give him the opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the year strong.”
Meanwhile, the Bills could soon get a major defensive boost, as head coach Sean McDermott confirmed the team has activated the 21-day window for linebacker Matt Milano’s return to practice. Although Milano will miss the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs, McDermott indicated that Milano has made significant progress in his recovery from a torn pectoral suffered in training camp. The team will continue to assess his readiness, taking things week by week.
“We’re going to take it one week at a time here,” McDermott said. “We’ll see how this week goes. He’s done a phenomenal job getting back to where he can get back out there.”