Ranking the options currently on the Buffalo Bills roster to replace Tremaine Edmunds
By Kevin Devine
Tyrel Dodson is the most experienced option on the Buffalo Bills roster
It does not seem coincidental that Beane mentioned Tyrell Dodson first when asked about replacing Edmunds, as he will likely enter training camp as the favorite to be named the starter. Like Edmunds, Dodson is just 24 years old, which is still pretty young for an NFL linebacker. He agreed to return to the Bills on a 1 year $2 million contract after playing 221 snaps for the Bills last season, or 18.5% of their total defensive plays.
He was trusted last season as the primary backup despite the Buffalo Bills heavy investment in linebacker in last year’s draft. This may speak to the Buffalo Bills desire not to rely on rookies in large roles, preferring to give them time to learn and develop. While the Bills value experience and development within their scheme, Dodson needs to continue to develop and show improvement, specifically against play action if he is going to win and hold on to a starting role.
Dodson’s spot on the roster is secure because of his impact on special teams. However, the Bills would ideally like to see one of the other options make a big jump forward this season allowing them to keep Dodson as an experienced backup with special teams value on a reasonable contract.