NFL rumors: Tyrel Dodson claimed by Dolphins after being waived by Seahawks | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

The Miami Dolphins have claimed former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson off waivers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Dodson started all nine games for the Seahawks this year, totaling 71 tackles (41 solo), two sacks and two pass breakups. The undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M spent his first five NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills before signing with Seattle last March.

As for why Dodson, the team’s leading tackler, was released, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald provided an explanation on Monday, according to ESPN’s Brady Henderson:

“We really appreciate T-Dot. He worked extremely hard and rehabilitated all offseason. I think it was an opportunity for us when we took a step back and realized where we were, this was the best we could do doing.” If we want to continue that way, give the other guys in the room the opportunity to step up. I hope those guys grab that opportunity by the horns and run with it, and then it gives Tyrel a chance to find another place. somewhere else so he can finish the year strong.”

Dodson suffered a shoulder injury late in his time in Buffalo and landed on the physically unable to perform list, but he was good to go for the start of this season.

Now Dodson joins Miami, which is just a game and a half out of the AFC’s final playoff spot despite starting the year 3-6. The Dolphins clearly believe they can make it work late in the season, and Dodson believes he can play a role in that.