The Dolphins exercise patience as five players, highlighted by LB Tyrel Dodson, are re-signed
Patience. Patience. Patience.
That appeared to be the Miami Dolphins’ approach Wednesday as they officially re-signed several players including edge rusher Quinton Bell, defensive back Elijah Campbell, tackle Jackson Carman and receiver Dee Eskridge. Only one re-signing — that of inside linebacker Tyrel Dodson to a two-year deal worth $8.25 million, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz — made national news.
“Things didn’t go as planned throughout 2024, I wouldn’t have thrived in adversity without my support system,” Dodson tweeted Wednesday afternoon. “As I look back I am extremely grateful for all the ups and downs. Even though it’s all subjective.”
Added Dodson: “I am excited to continue my career in Miami! One day at a time. One play. One game. Better and better. Thank you Miami.”
Meanwhile, the Dolphins’ front office and coaching personnel — including general manager Chris Grier, coach Mike McDaniel and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver — headed to Athens, Georgia, as the University of Georgia held its pro day. They were able to watch safety Malaki Starks and outside linebacker Mykel Williams, both of whom could be options for the Dolphins with the No. 13 pick.
Dodson joined the Dolphins about midway through the 2024 season after the Seattle Seahawks released the five-year veteran. He had three starts in Miami when fellow linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. went down with an injury and racked up 29 combined tackles as well as two interceptions. In total, he amassed 36 combined tackles, team-leading three picks and four pass deflections during his eight-game stint with the Dolphins.
The inside linebacker even earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors following the Dolphins’ second to last game against the Cleveland Browns. Dodson lead the team in combined tackles (15) and recorded an interception as well as a quarterback hit.
“I was just playing football,” Dodson said Jan. 1 after his career game. “I was finally in a defense that everyone’s on the same page, there’s no gray area, it’s black and white. I know where people are going to fit, I know how the d-line’s going to play. It’s fun when you come and play in a defense like that. Coach [Weaver] has done a great job.”
“We kind of expected that,” Weaver added after Dodson’s Week 17 performance against the Browns. “Fortunately I had some people in Seattle that could give us some really good intel, and all reports out of there was tremendous teammate, really good player.”
An undrafted player out of Texas A&M, Dodson signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2019. The 26-year-old spent the following four seasons in Buffalo where he started 15 of a potential 59 games. Dodson then decided to sign with the Seahawks as a free agent in 2024.
During his career, Dodson has registered 16 tackles for loss, three interceptions and more than 250 combined tackles.
The Dolphins now have about $8 million in cap space following Dodson’s deal, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. A simple contract restructure with veterans like Jordyn Brooks and Zach Sieler could instantly create more cap room. The franchise could also go to the bank of Tua Tagovailoa to generate roughly $19 million in cap space, however, they have clearly been rather hesitant to do so.
With Dodson’s deal presumably done, the Dolphins still have needs at several starting positions including offensive guard, defensive tackle and cornerback. The absence of a starting defensive tackle alongside Sieler is especially concerning considering the market has significantly depleted. There’s still hope that Calais Campbell returns, however, he won’t likely make that decision any time soon.
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 5:11 PM.
