In a surprise move, the Seattle Seahawks have made a former Buffalo Bills linebacker available for hire in the middle of the 2024 NFL season.

The Seahawks (4-5) have released Tyrel Dodson. The 26-year-old only signed in Seattle this past offseason after his 2023 season in Buffalo ended and he became a free agent.

Most interestingly, Dodson made 71 tackles for the Seahawks defense, a team-high, and he also totaled two sacks, two pass breakups, and five tackles for loss … and while he was released, he started all nine games for the team this year.

Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald explained that others were just going to get a chance now.

“We took a step back and realized where we were at,” Macdonald said about the move. “It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson]. We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity.”

Paired alongside Jerome Baker from the Miami Dolphins on a similar one-year deal, Dodson and Baker were slated to replace Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks at linebacker in 2024. That clearly did not go according to plan, as Dodson departs Seattle after Baker already had weeks ago.

Depending on price tag, Dodson is a name to keep in mind for the Bills defense.

He originally signed as an undrafted free agent in Buffalo after the draft, came up through the ranks, and had a solid 2023 season before leaving. That indicates the Bills coaching staff certainly believes in the player.

And the linebacker spot has had a few injuries in it this year. Currently Baylon Spector (calf) is on injured reserve. Matt Milano (knee) has been designated to return but still is weeks out.

And on top of all that, Dodson does know the Bills defense already having spending years in it. He could be destined for Buffalo once again.

Bills Wire will provide updates as information is made available.