after spending his first four seasons with the colts, dawson signed with the detroit lions. he was released by the lions on september 3, 2011. dawson was re-signed by the lions on november 30, 2011, but then released about a month later. on january 6, 2012, the tennessee titans signed dawson. after appearing in only three games, dawson was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. on march 7, 2013, the titans re-signed dawson to a one-year contract. the titans released dawson on october 5, 2013 to make room for quarterback rusty smith. on october 8, 2013, he signed with the saints.