The Buffalo Bills have re-signed a middle linebacker, but the one that was second on their depth chart.
The team announced that Tyrel Dodson re-signed with the team. It’s a one-year deal.
Dodson, 24, originally came to Buffalo as an undrafted rookie out of Texas A&M following the 2019 NFL draft.
Despite going undrafted, Dodson did have a productive college career.
In 2017 in particular, Dodson had 104 total tackles, including 10 for loss, 5.5 sacks, eight passes defended and three interceptions in 13 games played. His stats dropping the following year led to his draft status declining.
The real issue for Dodson began after the draft. He eventually was suspended for six games due to a domestic situation off the field, but prior to that he was coveted as a special teamer and depth player which stuck through his suspension.
Dodson eventually joined the practice squad and then the active roster. He has played in 16 contests in each of the past two years as Dodson has become a staple on the roster. Dodson rose to become the main backup to Tremaine Edmunds at middle linebacker.
In that No. 2 role, Dodson made three starts last season. He also appeared in 67 percent of special teams snaps on the year.
With Edmunds departing Buffalo for the Chicago Bears, Dodson would slide in as the starter on the Bills defense for the time being. It’s likely that a player will be added to that mix, whether that be a veteran free agent or competition via the 2023 NFL draft. There’s also 2023 third-round selection Terrel Bernard to consider.
Easily the most interesting part about Dodson returning is the previous goodbye he tweeted to Buffalo earlier this offseason:
Buffalo, last 4 years have been amazing! Appreciate you guys for treating me like family!
— Tyrel Dodson (@tdots25) January 29, 2023
Regardless of farewells, Dodson is back.
A decision which makes a ton of sense post-Edmunds.