The Miami Dolphins are bringing back an underrated part of their defense for the next two years.

Per FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the team reached an agreement on a two-year deal with LB Tyrel Dodson on Wednesday.  Schultz notes the deal is for $8.25 million.

Dodson was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Buffalo Bills following the 2019 draft.  He got his first action with Buffalo in 2020 and ended up appearing in 59 games with the Bills, including 10 starts in 2023.  After starting 2024 with Seattle, he was waived and claimed by the Dolphins.

His time in Miami over the last half of the season was nothing short of impressive.  In 8 games, he totaled 3 interceptions and 36 combined tackles in 8 games.  In the previous 9 games with the Seahawks, he had 71 combined tackles and 2 sacks.  Pro Football Focus gave him a 70.4 grade with a very impressive 87.8 coverage mark during his 8 games with Miami – highest on the defense by a country mile.

As of now, he figures to slot in next to Jordyn Brooks – who had a strong 2024 season himself – as the team’s top two insider linebackers.  Of course, the offseason is young and the draft is still over a month away, but the flash the Dolphins got from Dodson last year should be enough to give him the early edge at a starting job for 2025.

Not bad for a waiver claim.