The Seattle Seahawks parted ways with linebacker Tyrel Dodson on Monday as part of a shakeup to address their underperforming defense.
Dodson, who started all nine games this season, played seven games as the middle linebacker before shifting to the weak side for the past two weeks following the team’s trade for middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV on October 23.
This surprising move comes amid a challenging season for the Seahawks’ defense, which currently ranks 26th in the NFL against the run, allowing 139.4 rushing yards per game. The team is also 24th in total defense, surrendering 357.6 yards per contest.
Tyrel Dodson
Under first-year defensive coordinator Mike McDonald, who previously helmed Baltimore’s top-ranked defense, the Seahawks sought to replace Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks, who left in free agency, by signing Dodson and Jerome Baker in the offseason. However, both players are now gone. Baker was traded to Tennessee for Jones.
Dodson, who led the team with 71 tackles, is expected to be replaced by either second-year linebacker Drake Thomas or rookie Tyrice Knight.
In addition to the roster change, the Seahawks also promoted cornerback Josh Jobe to the active roster on Monday.
