Wide receiver Tyler Lockett has been a cornerstone player for the Seattle Seahawks, but the team will likely cut him before the start of the 2025 league year. A third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Kansas State product began his career as a reliable depth receiver but came into his own following Doug Baldwin’s departure. Stepping up in 2018, Lockett recorded 965 yards and 10 touchdowns, followed by four consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.
While nobody would confuse him with Randy Moss, Lockett became a key piece of the passing attack for Russell Wilson and Geno Smith. However, age has caught up to the veteran, as he’s fallen behind D.K. Metcalf and 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the depth chart while recording just 47 receptions for 572 yards and two touchdowns. He’s still an adequate player, but he’s not worth his $30.89 million cap hit next year, especially since he has no guaranteed money left on his contract.
Seattle can cut Tyler Lockett and save $17 million against the salary cap. While he’ll no longer command a massive payday, several teams should be interested in signing the veteran to be a cost-effective third option in their passing attack.
Seattle Seahawks Could Cut Tyler Lockett After Season
Possible Next Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need another wide receiver in the worst way. While second-round pick Ladd McConkey is a legitimate stud, the rest of the depth chart needs some work. 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston is better off in a depth role and the rest of the pass-catchers are unremarkable veterans or uninspiring youngsters. Tyler Lockett might not be the ideal WR2 in today’s day and age, but he’s a fine fit for the run-heavy offense head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to run.
Pittsburgh Steelers
All signs indicate that Russell Wilson will be back in 2025, so Pittsburgh must find better wide receivers. Wilson could carry an offense at his peak without elite pass-catchers, but the former Seahawk needs more help in his current condition. George Pickens is more than capable of being the top option in this offense, and adding a familiar face like Lockett into the mix should only increase Wilson’s odds of playing better in Year 2 with the black and gold.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens traded for Diontae Johnson because they wanted more depth at wide receiver. While that trade didn’t work out, the need to improve the depth chart still exists. Pro Bowler Zay Flowers and former first-round pick Rashod Bateman are a fine duo, but this team could use another set of hands. With fourth-round rookie DeVontez Walker not showing much of anything, the Ravens could pursue Tyler Lockett as their third wide receiver if and when the Seahawks cut him.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints refuse to rebuild and lack the salary cap space to chase top-dollar free agents. With this in mind, they have no choice but to try and catch diamonds in the rough with veterans like Tyler Lockett. Even if Chris Olave returns in 2025, New Orleans could use another possession receiver. Lockett isn’t the player he used to be, but he still provides a reliable set of hands and can be a decent short and intermediate threat in the offense.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have their quarterback of the future in second-overall pick Jayden Daniels, as the rookie took a 4-13 team and guided them to the playoffs. If they want to take the next step in 2025, they’ll add more talent at receiver. Terry McLaurin is great, but this offense needs another reliable starter. Lockett won’t set the world on fire, but he should benefit from Daniels’ ability to extend plays and reach any part of the field with his arm.
Main Photo: Michael Chow – USA Today Sports
