BREAKING NEWS: New Seahawks linebacker uncovers a hidden secret about Bobby Wagner due to covert pressure

Almost ten years ago, with the unbridled confidence of a high school student, Tennessee teen Tyrel Dodson reached out to Bobby Wagner via direct message. Dodson, a fan of Wagner’s playing style and demeanor, expressed his admiration.

At that time, Wagner was already a seasoned Seahawks player. He took the time to respond to Dodson, appreciating the kind words. Now, Dodson is stepping into Wagner’s former role as the Seahawks’ middle linebacker.

“I told him when I signed here, ‘Isn’t it wild? It’s come full circle,’” Dodson remarked on Day 4 of Seahawks training camp at VMAC.

With key players Jordyn Brooks and Wagner, along with reserve Devin Bush, leaving via free agency, the Seahawks needed to overhaul the linebacker position. Dodson and Jerome Baker, both on one-year contracts, are taking on these roles. Both missed OTAs and minicamp due to injuries but passed their physicals and joined the training camp last week.

Dodson said, “I’m just working on getting back to full strength. It’s great to have ‘Bake’ out there too. We’re trying to mesh well and build our connection.”

Despite missing the offseason program, Dodson and Baker have been actively working on their chemistry behind the scenes. Dodson even made a playful attempt to ask a question during Baker’s news conference, but decided against it.

They’ve been connecting through texts and video calls to quickly understand each other’s playing styles, given their intertwined roles. Both are familiar with each other from their time in the AFC East—Baker with Miami and Dodson with Buffalo. Dodson, who joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent from Texas A&M in 2019, faced early challenges including a suspension for off-field issues, but worked his way up to a starting position last season, recording a career-high 74 combined tackles.

Dodson shared his emotional journey, “It almost makes me cry thinking about how hard I’ve worked and waited for my chance. When it comes, you have to make the most of it.”

He’s previously handled the green dot as the on-field defensive play caller, a role once held by Wagner, who now plays for Washington. The new linebacker group will need to determine who takes over this responsibility.

Baker, expected to replace Brooks on the weak side, has had a solid career thus far but struggled with injuries last season. He was released by Miami in March after failing a physical.

Baker mentioned his admiration for Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald’s Ravens defense as a key factor in his decision to join Seattle, calling it an “easy choice.”

While there were initial thoughts that Baker might take Wagner’s old middle linebacker role, Macdonald seems to have different plans. Both Baker and Dodson have praised Macdonald’s strategic approach, and the coach has expressed satisfaction with their progress.

“The communication’s ahead of schedule. It’s smooth and not panicked,” Macdonald said. “We’re making good progress, even though the pads aren’t on yet.”

The real test will come when the players put on their pads and start full-contact practices. Baker noted, “You don’t really know how in shape you are until you’re out there hitting and taking guys down. It’s still touch football right now. The real game begins with the pads on.”

He added, “At the end of the day, it’s still football—the same game I played when I was six, just on a bigger stage.”