The Seattle Seahawks finally took action to fill the linebackers group on Thursday, March 14.
Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reported that Seattle was adding former Buffalo Bills veteran Tyrel Dodson.
Dodson, who originally joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2019, did not play in his first year. Over the following three years, he mostly served as a substitute. However, he displayed potential when filling in for an injured Tremaine Edmunds during the 2022 NFL season. The Texas A&M graduate participated in all snaps for the first time in his career in Week 11, making 13 total tackles during the Bills' 31-23 victory.
In the 2023 NFL season, Dodson had the opportunity to become a full-time starter after linebacker Matt Milano got injured. In 17 games and 10 starts, he tallied 74 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 defensed passes, and 1 forced turnover.
Schultz observed that the Seahawks “have been searching the market for a young linebacker. In Tyrel Dodson, Seattle acquires an improving player recognized for being a very reliable tackler and possessing a highly intelligent game.”
SI’s Corbin K. Smith mentioned the 6-foot, 237-pounder, “Dodson was graded as one of Pro Football Focus’ top three linebackers in 2023, achieving an exceptional 86.8 coverage grade that ranked higher than Ravens All-Pro defender Roquan Smith.
“In addition to an outstanding 10.6 percent rate of stopping the run that ranked among the top 10 for linebackers, he generated 11 pressures and 2.5 sacks on just 41 blitz opportunities, resulting in an impressive 26.8% pressure rate when deployed as an additional rusher by the Bills.”
Tyrel Dodson Joins Former Bills Coach Leslie Frazier in Seattle
Under the guidance of new head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks are experiencing significant changes. Although Seattle was connected with various defensive players from Macdonald’s previous team, the Baltimore Ravens, none of the rumored reports materialized.
With Dodson’s signing, the 25-year-old is reuniting with Leslie Frazier, who was appointed as the Seahawks’ new assistant head coach. The 64-year-old served as Buffalo’s defensive coordinator for six years and as assistant head coach for three seasons.
While Frazier took a break in 2023, he did not exactly have a year off. Working as an analyst for the NFL Network and 33rd Team throughout the season, he remained engaged with the sport. In fact, Frazier stated that leaving Buffalo allowed him to develop.
“It’s forced me to broaden my horizons a little bit,” Frazier told CBS Sports. “Looking at the league from a global standpoint as opposed to just a team that I’m on and just the opponent that we’re getting prepared for. It’s forced me to see the league in its entirety and it’s helped me to get more involved in some of the angles that allow you to win.”
Both Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner Depart Seattle in Free Agency
After both Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner left in free agency, general manager John Schneider needed to add a new linebacker.
While Schneider labeled keeping Brooks as a “priority,” he proceeded to sign a three-year, $26.25 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.
Wagner’s exit, however, was anticipated. The 33-year-old, nine-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year, $8.5 million agreement with Washington Commanders.
Regarding the Bills, Milano is expected to be prepared for the beginning of the 2024 NFL season. They also recruited ex-Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nicholas Morrow. The specific financial details were not disclosed right away.
