The 4-5 Seattle Seahawks have released veteran linebacker Tyrel Dodson. The 26-year-old, who was the team's leading tackler this season, had signed a one-year, £3.2million ($4.26m) incentive-laden deal with only £750,000 ($1m) guaranteed at signing.
Dodson and fellow free-agent signing Jerome Baker were brought in to replace Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks in the heart of the Seattle defence. However, Baker was traded to the Tennessee Titans in late October, along with a fourth-round pick for current Seahawks starting linebacker Ernest Jones IV.
The release of Dodson suggests the franchise are seeking to rectify its offseason decision. Rookie head coach Mike McDonald commented on the release, saying: "We really appreciate T-Dod, he works extremely hard.
"It's probably the best thing for us to move forward that way, give the other guys an opportunity to step up, and hope those guys grab that opportunity by the horns and take it and run with it."
Dodson has been released to waivers, meaning another team could claim him for his remaining salary.
McDonald added: "[The move] gives Tyrel an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the year strong. That was the process."
Jon Marcri from Pro Football Focus highlighted how Dodson secured the 11th-best coverage grade on their site through the first nine games of the season.
Tyrice Knight, a rookie fourth-round pick, and special-teamer Drake Thomas are expected to start next to Jones IV in Seattle's game against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday.
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McDonald also revealed that Jones, who has only been with the team for a few weeks, will wear the green dot, signifying his ability to communicate with the sidelines. The Seahawks had a promising 3-0 start before injuries disrupted their momentum.
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Their run defence has deteriorated in recent weeks, leaving them with a challenging journey back into the NFC playoff picture. Following their bye week, Seattle made several other roster changes.
They promoted defensive back Josh Jobe from their practice squad to replace Dodson. Safety K'Von Wallace was placed on the injured reserve, and former first-round wide receiver (now tight end) N'Keal Harry was signed to their practice squad.
