Dolphins Release Tyrel Dodson After 129-Tackle Season to Start Jacob Rodriguez

The Miami Dolphins have released linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who recorded a career-high 129 tackles in 2025, to clear a path for rookie Jacob Rodriguez.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins confirmed the release of linebacker Tyrel Dodson on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The 28-year-old veteran departs after a 2025 campaign where he recorded a career-high 129 tackles. Over the last two seasons, Dodson ranked 19th among all qualified NFL linebackers with 236 combined tackles and fifth at his position with four interceptions. Despite these statistics, the move clears the roster for second-round draft pick Jacob Rodriguez to start the upcoming Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Dodson originally joined Miami midway through the 2024 season via a waiver claim. In his first eight games with the franchise, he led the team with three interceptions. This performance earned him a two-year contract the following offseason. However, his standing on the depth chart shifted during the 2026 preseason. While projected starters were rested, Dodson played 37 snaps in the final exhibition contest. Concurrently, undrafted free agent Jackson Woodard secured a spot on the initial 53-man roster following Dodson's departure.

Jacob Rodriguez Takes the Green Dot

General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, in his first year leading the front office, prioritized Rodriguez immediately after selecting the Texas Tech product in the second round. Sullivan identified the rookie as a "green dot" player capable of calling the defense on the field. During the draft, Sullivan emphasized that the team would not shy away from internal competition, stating that anyone afraid of it should not be in the building. Throughout training camp, Rodriguez saw a steady increase in first-team repetitions despite missing the preseason finale and recent practices with an undisclosed injury.

Defensive coordinator Sean Duggan noted that the game is slowing down for the rookie linebacker. Duggan highlighted Rodriguez's growing proficiency in understanding run fits and spatial awareness in both zone and man coverage. The coaching staff expressed no concern regarding the rookie's availability for the season opener. The transition allows Rodriguez to join Jordyn Brooks in the primary linebacker rotation, fulfilling the "iron sharpens iron" philosophy Sullivan voiced during the spring.

Veteran Leadership and Buffalo Roots

On August 7, Dodson addressed the crowded linebacker room, describing himself and Brooks as leaders who utilized "tough love" to motivate younger players. He compared the current Miami depth chart to his five-season tenure with the Buffalo Bills. During his time in Buffalo, Dodson played alongside Tremaine Edmunds, AJ Klein, Terrel Bernard, and Matt Milano. He suggested that the Dolphins' room possessed enough talent for six potential starters to contribute, urging his teammates to maximize their specific roles.

Dodson’s exit marks a significant shift for a defense that relied on his ball-hawking skills in 2024. His three interceptions in an eight-game span provided a mid-season spark after he arrived from the waiver wire. By moving on from the veteran, Miami officially hands the defensive communication responsibilities to Rodriguez. The Raiders matchup in Week 1 will serve as the debut for this restructured defensive interior, featuring Brooks and the former Texas Tech standout as the primary anchors.