After a shock release in Miami, a prolific former Aggie linebacker enters the market, offering Dallas a high-tackle veteran solution to bolster their defensive interior before kickoff.
Tyrel Dodson is looking for another NFL team despite putting together one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2025.
The former Texas A&M linebacker is being released by the Miami Dolphins after starting all 16 games he played last season and recording 129 tackles and five sacks. It's a surprising outcome for a veteran who produced at that level, but it also puts an intriguing name on the market for any team still looking for help at linebacker.
That could include the Dallas Cowboys.
There is no reported interest between Dallas and Dodson, and nothing at this point suggests the Cowboys are planning to pursue him. But if Dallas decides it isn't completely satisfied with the linebacker room it will take into the season ... Dodson could make some sense as a potential addition.
The Cowboys have already spent much of the offseason trying to address the position. Dallas traded for Dee Winters during the draft before using a third-round pick on Jaishawn Barham, adding both to a group led by hopefully healthy DeMarvion Overshown.
There was even some speculation earlier this offseason about another Dolphins linebacker potentially making his way to Dallas.
Jordyn Brooks was repeatedly floated as a possible Cowboys fit before Miami made sure he wasn't going anywhere, signing him to a three-year extension in July. That connection made sense for a team that entered the offseason needing help in the middle of its defense.
But Dodson isn't Brooks — and he wouldn't come with the same price tag or expectations.
He would, however, bring production.
Dodson finished 2025 with 129 tackles, five sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He entered this summer competing with second-round pick Jacob Rodriguez for the starting job alongside Brooks, with Miami listing Dodson and Rodriguez as co-starters on its depth chart.
Rodriguez ultimately won the job, leaving the Dolphins willing to move on from Dodson as they set their initial 53-man roster.
For Aggies fans, there would also be a familiar element to Dallas becoming Dodson's next stop.
Dodson spent three seasons at Texas A&M from 2016-18 before beginning his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills. Seven years later, he's still connected to Aggieland — Dodson returned to Texas A&M and earned his degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development earlier this month.
None of that means Dallas is going to call.
The Cowboys currently have Overshown and Winters atop their linebacker depth chart, with Barham and Shemar James among the options behind them. Dallas may decide that's enough and enter the season with the group it already has.
But if the Cowboys decide they still need another veteran in the room ... a former Aggie coming off a 129-tackle season just became available.
And this time, bringing him back to Texas wouldn't require a trade.
