Dolphins release LB Tyrel Dodson

Achane, LB Jordyn Brooks, LB Tyrel Dodson and C Aaron Brewer are all entering contract years. Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan previously referred to Achane, Brooks and Brewer as the team’s “three pillars,” yet today Kelly quotes him as saying, “nobody is untouchable in this business.” Kelly believes that Achane will be aiming to beat the four-year, $48 million contract extension that Bills RB James Cook signed in August 2025. Kelly also notes that the team will offer contracts sometime in the next two weeks, but that the Dolphins believe that other teams “will likely get serious about trying to acquire Miami’s top veterans.” Achane skipped the team’s April 7 voluntary workout in what head coach Jeff Hafley called “part of the business,” it wouldn’t be surprising if more business decisions happen in the future.

Dodson suffered a brain injury in last week’s loss to the Panthers and will remain in concussion protocol through the weekend. The sixth-year linebacker has started all five games he’s appeared in for the Dolphins this season, totaling 46 tackles, two sacks, and four TFLs while also recording one forced fumble. Linebacker K.J. Britt is listed behind Dodson on the depth chart and will presumably start in his place. In addition to Dodson, the Dolphins have also ruled out S Elijah Campbell (quad).

Dodson logged 18 solo tackles and 36 combined tackles over eight games with Miami in 2024. He also had three interceptions after being traded to the Dolphins from Seattle around midseason. Dodson will come back to a Dolphins secondary graded by Pro Football Focus as last year’s eighth-worst coverage unit.

Walker Jr. was backpedaling into coverage, came up hobbling, and asked for a substitute. He walked off the field with tears in his eyes and immediately got hugs from his teammates, which is likely not a good sign for his return this week. Tyrel Dodson will replace him in the starting lineup, but it could be a big loss for Miami over the middle of the field.

Miami’s had problems with the spot opposite Jordyn Brooks at inside linebacker all season, with David Long Jr. posting a 27.4 PFF tackle grade and Anthony Walker being rough in coverage. It’s possible Dodson comes in and pushes for a starting job. We imagine they’ll probably give the in-house options another week or so while Dodson acclimates to the system, but taking on the remainder of Dodson’s base salary tells a story about how much they valued him.

Dodson was a full-time starter for Seattle’s first nine games this season. It uh, didn’t go well enough in the eyes of Mike Macdonald. Dodson had a 65.8 PFF defense grade that seemed to mostly mark him as above average outside of run defense. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Buffalo, Dodson’s former employer, scooped him up again as a free agent. Fourth-round pick Tyrice Knight and Drake Thomas are candidates to take over the role in Seattle. Rarely do you see a team give up on an offseason signing this quickly when the player is actually playing.

Baker’s Friday practice designation has yet to be released but thanks to the Patriots, the official game designations have been released. Baker was a limited participant on both Wednesday and Thursday. Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson (shoulder) is also questionable while LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee) has already been ruled out.

Nwosu missed Week 1 with an MCL sprain and is expected to miss further time. LB Tyrel Dodson (shoulder) also did not practice, while Jerome Baker and Dre’Mont Jones were limited with hamstring issues. The Seahawks’ linebacking corps looks thinner with the injuries stacking up and Mike Macdonald’s defense hopes to get healthier later in the week for a Week 2 Patriots opponent featuring a bell cow running back in Rhamondre Stevenson.

Lucas is continuing to rehab from a knee injury that plagued him through much of last season. Lucas was injured in Week 1 and wound up missing 11 games as a result. He allowed two sacks on 17 pressures while earning a PFF blocking grade of 53.1 — a steep drop-off from his rookie performance in 2022. In addition to Lucas, the Seahawks also placed linebackers Jerome Baker (knee) and Tyrel Dodson on the active/PUP list.

The 25-year-old is coming off a breakout season in Buffalo, albeit one where he still played “just” 550 regular season snaps. Dodson did a little bit of everything, most notably registering three sacks. He earned strong marks against the run and in coverage from Pro Football Focus. Seattle is hoping he will continue to progress in the Pacific Northwest.