Could the Seattle Seahawks actually part ways with long-time wide receiver Tyler Lockett this offseason?
Tony Catalina of Pro Football Network thinks it’s a possibility, noting that the Seahawks would save $17 million if they cut or trade Lockett after June 1.
Lockett restructured his contract earlier this offseason, so it doesn’t seem like Seattle has much of an interest in shedding him. His name was thrown around in trade rumors the last couple of months, as well, but there didn’t seem to be much traction behind the speculation.
Would Cutting Tyler Lockett Make Sense For The Seahawks?
Catalina thinks releasing Lockett would make sense for new head coach Mike Macdonald, who may want to go with more of a youth movement.
Lockett did show signs of a decline this past season, as it marked the first time since 2018 that he did not register 1,000 yards. It’s not that Lockett was bad in 2023. He caught 79 passes for 894 yards and five touchdowns, which are solid numbers.
However, it seemed pretty clear that the 31-year-old may have lost a step.
Lockett was the Seahawks’ No. 2 receiver behind D.K. Metcalf this past year, but with second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the rise, Lockett may no longer be a priority for Seattle.
It’s also entirely possible that Smith-Njigba surpasses Lockett on the depth chart in 2024, especially after the rather so-so performance Lockett displayed this past year.
Lockett, who played his collegiate football at Kansas State, was selected by Seattle in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
He made the Pro Bowl and earned a First-Team All-Pro selection during his rookie campaign, although that was mostly for his work on special teams.
Lockett has not made a Pro Bowl nor has he notched First-Team All-Pro honors since.
It took the Tulsa, Ok. native until his fifth season to finally register 1,000 yards receiving, and he then proceeded to register four straight 1,000-yard campaigns. He topped out at 1,175 yards in 2021.
The Seahawks went 9-8 and missed the playoffs this past season, which has been a rarity for the franchise in recent years.
Since 2012, Seattle has made the postseason in all but two years: 2017 and 2023. The Seahawks have not posted a losing campaign since 2011.
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