The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for mandatory minicamp this week, marking the return of linebacker Tyrel Dodson for his first full season in South Florida. Having signed a two-year deal worth $6.25 million, Dodson showcased impressive skills during his eight games with the Dolphins last year, including three starts. His standout performance included leading all linebackers with three interceptions during the latter part of the season.

Dodson also demonstrated his ability to defend against the pass, recording four passes defended in total, and showed prowess as a tackler with a remarkable 15 tackles in a single game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. This performance not only highlighted his tackling skills but also marked the best single-game tackles by a Miami player since 2020. With Dodson's multifaceted skills on display, he is set to play a crucial role in strengthening the Dolphins’ defense this upcoming season.

The 2025 Miami Dolphins are fortunate to have a talented group of inside linebackers, including Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr., and K.J. Britt. Collectively, they are the deepest unit on the team, surpassing even the wide receivers, edge rushers, and running backs. Brooks, the team leader in tackles last season, emphasizes the importance of their role in the defense's success. Despite the need for various playmakers, these linebackers may not individually win games for the Dolphins, but their depth and skill are significant assets.

Brooks and Dodson are expected to be the primary starters, with Dodson having the added responsibility of wearing the 'green dot' helmet for communication. Both players have shown promise, with Dodson recording impressive stats after joining from Seattle. The backups, Gay and Britt, have experience and potential, making this unit one of the strongest in the league. As the Dolphins adjust their defensive strategy, they rely heavily on their inside linebackers to step up, with the coaching staff expressing confidence in their capabilities.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV has made a notable impact after joining the team in a trade from the Tennessee Titans, where he replaced Jerome Baker. His performance in the season was remarkable, recording 94 tackles in just ten games, prompting the Seahawks to re-sign him with a three-year, $33 million contract this offseason, including $15 million guaranteed.

His transition has significantly enhanced Seattle's defensive unit, particularly following the release of Tyrel Dodson. The Seahawks' strategic moves reflect a commitment to strengthening their linebacking core, aiming for greater defensive performance.

The Miami Dolphins have made a strategic signing with Willie Gay Jr., a linebacker who brings valuable postseason experience to a team eager to break its playoff drought of over 20 years. With players like Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson likely starting, Gay's nine playoff starts, including two Super Bowl victories, position him as a crucial mentor. His insights on handling playoff pressure will be indispensable for teammates who, despite years in the league, have limited playoff exposure.

Gay's previous season with the New Orleans Saints was challenging, recording just 28 tackles. However, the Dolphins view him as a bargain acquisition, potentially leveraging his big-game experience to drive deeper playoff aspirations. As the Dolphins aim for postseason success, Gay’s statistics—29 tackles and multiple passes defended in crucial games—could be pivotal assets.

Raheem Mostert, who made waves in 2023 with a Dolphins franchise record of 21 touchdowns, is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year deal. After three seasons with Miami, where he maintained a reputation as a speedy back despite an injury-plagued 2024 season, Mostert's next chapter begins. The Dolphins are also parting ways with tight ends Durham Smythe and Jack Stoll, both of whom are signing with new teams, notably Chicago and New Orleans, respectively.

Miami's roster changes continue with linebacker K.J. Britt joining from Tampa Bay and the re-signing of Tyrel Dodson, aiming to bolster their defensive lineup. The Dolphins have been strategic in free agency, adding key players like quarterback Zach Wilson as a backup and offensive line reinforcements in James Daniels and Larry Borom. They also secured Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to enhance their receiving core alongside speedsters Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, demonstrating a clear commitment to an impactful off-season.