Buffalo Bills 21 pending free agents in 21 days - linebacker Tyrel Dodson

Tyrel Dodson sat behind Tremaine Edmunds for the last few years, patiently waiting for his opportunity. Edmunds took the money and bolted to Chicago, leaving a spot in the Bills middle of their defense to be filled. Terrel Bernard ultimately won the job; however, when Matt Milano went down for the season, Dodson stepped up in a big way.

Dodson played 589 snaps and recorded 74 total tackles, 37 stops, and three sacks. Dodson earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 89.5, which ranked as one of the top linebackers in the league. PFF also ranks Dodson as the 109th-best free agent prospect. Seems a bit low in my opinion but PFF seems to do things a little differently.

Depending on who you ask, you'll get different answers regarding Dodson's projected market value. PFF has a projected contract of $3.25 million per year and Spotrac has him projected at $4.8 million. Either way, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Dodson chooses to stay in Buffalo for 2024 and the years following. Dodson showed his worth and what he's capable of when given the opportunity.

My concern with Dodson is I don't see a path into the starting lineup, unless the Bills suddenly decide to move away from their nickel base defense. With Matt Milano returning and Terrel Bernard entrenched in the middle, it will be difficult for Dodson to crack the starting lineup. He's earned the right to start and could sign a deal to play elsewhere for that opportunity. I can't say that I'd blame him but I hope his desire to stay in Buffalo and with the guys, outweighs his desire to start.

However, even if not a starter, I have no doubt he would get significant playing time. The Bills rotate players and Dodson provides exceptional depth for the linebacking group. The Bills will have a lot of decisions to make this offseason and hopefully that includes keeping Dodson around. Between Milano, Bernard, Dodson, and Dorian Williams, this could be one of the best linebacker corps in the league in 2024.