The United States may be enjoying a holiday today, but time doesn't stand still for the NFL or the Seattle Seahawks. On Monday, ESPN's Brady Henderson released some big news.
Henderson dropped an unexpected bombshell when the Seahawks released linebacker Tyrel Dodson. This represents a huge change for Seattle's struggling defense, as Dodson started all nine games for the Hawks.
Another big shakeup in the Seahawks' inside linebacker corps: I'm told they plan to release Tyrel Dodson, who started all nine games this season.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson)
Seattle acquired Dodson from Buffalo this offseason . Together with Jerome Baker from Miami on a similar path Dodson and Baker represented an interesting decision by the Seahawks to replace Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks with cheaper options.
Nine games into the season, it's safe to say that this strategy has failed in spectacular fashion. Baker was traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, who was an immediate improvement at the position from the start. Now they've put their other offseason acquisition behind them in the middle of the season. Both players were only under contract in Seattle for a single season and neither made it past the year.
Dodson finished his time with the Seahawks with 41 solo tackles (behind Pro Bowl safety Julian Love), two pass defenses, two sacks and a forced fumble. Presumably, Dodson's departure opens up an opportunity for rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight, who has 23 total tackles this year.
At 4-5, Seattle is looking for answers to right the ship. Especially since they are in last place and are their division rivals this weekend.
