Tyrel Dodson was brought to Miami to provide depth at linebacker behind Anthony Walker Jr. after he was surprisingly waived by the Seattle Seahawks in November. However, Dodson proved to be the better option for the Dolphins down the stretch, especially when he was given the chance to start.
Dodson became a late season star for the Miami defense. Despite his limited time on the field, he led the entire Dolphins defense with three interceptions on the season.
His best performance came in Week 17 in a win against the Cleveland Browns when he recorded 15 tackles and an interception, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Between his time in Seattle and Miami, Dodson totaled 107 tackles, three interceptions, five tackled for loss, two sacks, and four quarterback hits in 2024.
The linebacker group is one of the many positions where Dolphins general manager Chris Grier will have to make tough decisions during the offseason. While Jordyn Brooks is under contract for two more years, Dodson, Walker, and Duke Riley are all set to become free agents this offseason.
Dodson played in 2024 on a one-year deal worth $4.2 million. Considering he just had his best ever season, re-signing Dodson to another one-year contract might be a bit more expensive, but still feasible. The question is whether Dodson’s performance with the Dolphins was enough for Grier to prioritize bringing him back?
Case for re-signing Dodson
Grier has a lot of work to do to get the Dolphins under the salary cap, but he should be able to find the money to lock down Dodson to another one-year deal.
Dodson, 26, is entering his sixth season after his best as a pro. He was a force for the Dolphins defense in the tackling department and created turnovers.
With Brooks under contract for two more years, re-signing Dodson would give Miami a pair of starters at inside linebacker. That would allow Grier to focus on Miami’s other needs in the 2025 NFL draft.
Dodson proved to be the best fit at inside linebacker last season alongside Brooks. Keeping Dodson will maintain stability for a linebacker group that has seen significant turnover the last couple seasons.
In Dodson’s three starts with the Dolphins, he proved to be an upgrade from both Walker Jr. and David Long Jr. (who was waived upon Dodson’s arrival). Dodson should be able to solidify himself as a consistent starter for the Dolphins in 2025 if given a full offseason and training camp to work with the team.
Case for letting Dodson walk
Dodson’s impressive 2024 campaign and strong finish with the Dolphins will catch the eye of teams needing linebacker help. The Rams, Broncos, and Buccaneers are three teams with more cap space than the Dolphins and a need at linebacker. That could end up pushing Dodson out of the Dolphins price range.
There are also other paths the Dolphins could go to address the need. Maybe Grier decides to spend more money at a top free agent linebacker such as the 49ers’ Dre Greenlaw or Chiefs’ Nick Bolton. Or he could go with a cheaper option by re-signing Walker Jr and/or Riley.
Considering the Dolphins already have Jordyn Brooks set to make a $11.5 million cap hit next season, Grier will probably look to the more cost-friendly options. Walker and Riley are among the cheaper options to re-sign, and they’re even more familiar with the Dolphins personnel than Dodson.
Otherwise, there are many other linebackers the Dolphins will get to choose from in free agency and the NFL draft.
Prediction:
The Dolphins will prioritize the interior offensive line and safeties before linebackers, which likely means Dodson will get a better offer elsewhere.
Even though Dodson is coming off a career season and impressive finish with the Dolphins, the limited time he spent in Miami makes it difficult to prioritize bringing him back off of just a couple great performances.
Grier has more pressing matters to address. It is likely Dodson spends 2025 -playing in another jersey.
Prediction: Broncos sign Dodson to a one-year, $6.5 million deal