Dodson logged 18 solo tackles and 36 combined tackles over eight games with Miami in 2024. He also had three interceptions after being traded to the Dolphins from Seattle around midseason. Dodson will come back to a Dolphins secondary graded by Pro Football Focus as last year’s eighth worst coverage unit.

Miami’s had problems with the spot opposite Jordyn Brooks at inside linebacker all season, with David Long Jr. posting a 27.4 PFF tackle grade and Anthony Walker being rough in coverage. It’s possible Dodson comes in and pushes for a starting job. We imagine they’ll probably give the in-house options another week or so while Dodson acclimates to the system, but taking on the remainder of Dodson’s base salary tells a story about how much they valued him.

Dodson was a full-time starter for Seattle’s first nine games this season. It uh, didn’t go well enough in the eyes of Mike Macdonald. Dodson had a 65.8 PFF defense grade that seemed to mostly mark him as above average outside of run defense. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Buffalo, Dodson’s former employer, scooped him up again as a free agent. Fourth-round pick Tyrice Knight and Drake Thomas are candidates to take over the role in Seattle. Rarely do you see a team give up on an offseason signing this quickly when the player is actually playing.

The 25-year-old is coming off a breakout season in Buffalo, albeit one where he still played “just” 550 regular season snaps. Dodson did a little bit of everything, most notably registering three sacks. He earned strong marks against the run and in coverage from Pro Football Focus. Seattle is hoping he will continue to progress in the Pacific Northwest.