The Seattle Seahawks released linebacker Tyrel Dodson on Monday as part of a change to their underperforming defense.
Dodson started in all nine games this season for Seattle, playing seven games as middle linebacker and the last two games on the weak side after the team traded for middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV on October 23.
This unexpected move comes during a tough season for the Seahawks’ defense, which ranks 26th in the NFL for rush defense, allowing an average of 139.4 yards per game. The team is also 24th in total defense, giving up 357.6 yards per game.
Mike Macdonald, a first-year coach with a defensive background, was hired after coordinating Baltimore’s top-ranked defense last year.
The Seahawks brought in Dodson and Jerome Baker in the offseason to replace Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks, who left in free agency. Now, both Dodson and Baker are gone—Baker was traded to Tennessee for Jones.
Dodson, who led the Seahawks with 71 tackles, will likely be replaced by second-year player Drake Thomas or rookie Tyrice Knight.
Additionally, Seattle added cornerback Josh Jobe to the active roster on Monday.
