NFL Rumors: Tyrel Dodson Claimed by Dolphins After Being Waived by Seahawks

The Miami Dolphins have claimed former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson off waivers, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Dodson started all nine games this year for the Seahawks, totaling 71 tackles (41 solo), two sacks and two pass breakups. The undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M spent his first five NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills before signing with Seattle last March.

As for why Dodson, the team's leading tackler, was released, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald provided an explanation on Monday, per ESPN's Brady Henderson:

"We really appreciate T-Dot. He's worked extremely hard, rehabbed throughout the offseason here. I think it was an opportunity for us when we kind of ... took a step back and realized where we were at, it was the best thing for us to move forward that way, give the other guys in the room an opportunity to step up. I hope those guys grab that opportunity by the horns and take it and run with it, and then it gives Tyrel an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the year strong."

Dodson suffered a shoulder injury during the tail end of his stint with Buffalo and landed on the physically unable to perform list, but he was good to go for the beginning of this season.

Now Dodson joins Miami, which is just a game-and-a-half back of the AFC's final playoff spot despite beginning the year 3-6. The Dolphins clearly believe they can still make a late-season run at it, and Dodson figures to play a role in that effort.

Dodson's first chance to play with Miami will be Sunday, when the team hosts the Las Vegas Raiders.