Seahawks release linebacker Tyrel Dodson in roster shakeup

RENTON, Wash. - The Seattle Seahawks made a significant shake up to their roster on Monday, releasing starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson after just nine games with the team.

Dodson started every game this season at linebacker for the Seahawks. The last two games saw him move from middle linebacker to weakside linebacker following the acquisition of Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans in October.

The release of Dodson means the Seahawks have completely jettisoned their plan for the position they had entering the season. Dodson and Jerome Baker were signed to become the replacements for Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks in the middle of Seattle's defense. Instead, Baker was traded to Tennessee as part of the deal for Jones, and Dodson was let go on Monday.

"It was an opportunity for us when we took a step back and realized where we were at, it was really the best thing for us to move forward that way, give the other guys in the room an opportunity to step up," head coach Mike Macdonald said on Monday. "I hope those guys grab that opportunity by the horns and take it and run with it. And then it gives Tyrel an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the year strong. So that was the thought behind it."

Dodson leads the team with 71 tackles this season and handled duties as the play-caller on defense, wearing the helmet radio for sideline communications. That role shifts to Jones with rookie Tyrice Knight and veteran Drake Thomas as options for the weakside role.

Tyrel Dodson #0 and Ernest Jones IV #13 of the Seattle Seahawks react during the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on November 03, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Rio Giancarlo / Getty Images)

"Knight will get the first look and then we’ll look at some different personnel packages as well. Drake Thomas might get a crack at it as well," Macdonald said.

Dodson signed a one-year deal with Seattle in March worth up to $4.26 million with incentives. Per Spotrac, Dodson was within reach of playing time and sack incentives that could have cost the team more over the rest of the season.

The Seahawks rank 26th out of 32 teams in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, and 24th in total yards allowed.

"Holistically, as a defense, we weren’t getting it done," Macdonald said. "We put a lot on our linebackers, and so I hate that it had to work out like just through those two guys because those are two guys that we respect a lot and have come in and worked really hard, but sometimes you have to make these decisions and do what we feel is best for our defense to take the next step. So that was the decision and it just happened to be those guys. But we do put a lot on our linebackers, we expect a lot from those guys and that will always be the case as long as we’re here.

Cornerback Josh Jobe was added to the 53-man roster in Dodson's place. Jobe had played in the last three games for Seattle as an elevation from the practice squad, but with his trio of elevations exhausted, he needed to be added to the 53-man roster or exposed to waivers.

Additionally, Seattle claimed nose tackle Brandon Pili off waivers from the Miami Dolphins, and placed safety K'Von Wallace on injured reserve to clear a roster spot.

Pili, who went undrafted out of USC last year, appeared in 12 games over the past two seasons with the Dolphins, recording four tackles.

Wallace was injured in the team's last game against the Los Angeles Rams and had to be carted to the locker room for further examination.

Seattle also signed N'Keal Harry to their practice squad to fill Jobe's spot. The Seahawks list Harry as a tight end, though he has played receiver in the NFL and in college at Arizona State.

With the trade deadline now passed, Dodson will go through waivers instead of becoming an unrestricted free agent immediately.

The Seahawks need to activate tackle Abe Lucas from the PUP list by Wednesday. Though a move hasn't happened yet, George Fant being placed on injured reserve due to his knee injury is the most likely avenue to add Lucas to the roster. Lucas practiced with the team on Monday and Macdonald said he could play this weekend.

"San Francisco is a realistic expectation at this point," Macdonald said. "The best version of Abe is going to give us the best version of our offensive line. We want to make sure that he's ready to go, but from what I saw today, he looked really good. Looked good last week."

Macdonald said DK Metcalf is doing well and looking like he's going to be able to practice with the team on Wednesday.

Uchenna Nwosu is eligible to return this week, but Macdonald said there aren't any updates to Nwosu's status. He is still likely to return to the team this season.

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