The Seattle Seahawks have made a significant move by releasing linebacker Tyrel Dodson on Monday, part of an effort to address the team’s struggling defense.

Dodson had been a consistent presence on the field, starting in all nine games during the current season. Initially, he played seven games at middle linebacker but shifted to the weak side following the team’s acquisition of middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV on October 23.

This unexpected decision comes amid a challenging season for the Seahawks, who currently hold a 4-5 record. They are ranked 26th in the NFL for rush defense, allowing an average of 139.4 yards per game. Additionally, their total defense is ranked 24th, yielding 357.6 yards per game.

Under the guidance of first-year coach Mike Macdonald, who previously coordinated the NFL’s top defense in Baltimore last season, the Seahawks have struggled to find stability on that side of the ball.

In the offseason, the Seahawks signed Dodson along with Jerome Baker as replacements for former key players Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks, both of whom left through free agency. Now both Dodson and Baker are no longer with the team, as Baker was traded to Tennessee in exchange for Jones.

Leading the Seahawks in tackles with 71 this season, Dodson’s absence will likely see him replaced by either second-year player Drake Thomas or rookie Tyrice Knight.

In addition to these roster changes, the Seahawks also elevated cornerback Josh Jobe to the active squad on Monday.