Tyler Lockett Is Heading WHERE?!!

`’Jan 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver Tyler Lockett (16) runs down the field baseline at SoFi Stadium for the Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams Week 18 matchup. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images

In a surprising move, the Seattle Seahawks have decided to part ways with veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett, a player who has been a key contributor to the franchise since being drafted in 2015. Over his remarkable ten-season career, Lockett has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most dependable wideouts, boasting the astonishing record of having missed just one game. With only 161 games under his belt, this feat is nothing short of extraordinary, especially in a league known for its physical toll on players.

As Lockett approaches his 33rd birthday, the Seahawks have opted to make a strategic decision for their future, especially given his production numbers from the previous season. With just 49 receptions for 600 yards and a mere two touchdown catches, it became clear that the team needed to redirect its resources. Adding to this, the emergence of younger talents like DK Metcalf and Jackson Smith-Njigba has made Lockett’s role less critical as they look to build a dynamic receiving corps.

While some fans might wonder if there is a possibility for a Lockett trade, the reality is that he has only one year left on his current contract. This limitation likely restricts the return Seattle could expect; a sixth or fifth-round pick seems more realistic than what a player of his stature could have commanded in better years.

From a financial perspective, Lockett’s cap hit for the 2025 season stands at $30.8 million. By releasing him, the Seahawks free up $17 million in cap space right away. They do still owe Lockett $13 million, but the savings will significantly assist in managing their roster and pursuing reinforcements for the coming season.

Looking ahead, Lockett remains an intriguing player for other teams. The Dallas Cowboys could be a fitting destination, especially considering their past success in acquiring veterans like Brandin Cooks. Lockett would bring an added dimension to their offense, complementing star receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Interestingly, Lockett has recently obtained his real estate license in both Washington and Texas, hinting at his off-season ties to the Lone Star State. Additionally, his connection to Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who previously served as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, may facilitate a smoother transition should he end up in Dallas.

Another potential landing spot is the Las Vegas Raiders, where Lockett would join a team looking to reshape its culture under new leadership. With head coach Pete Carroll having once been his coach in Seattle, the familiarity could foster a productive environment for both Lockett and the Raiders.

Lastly, we shouldn’t overlook the Kansas City Chiefs, where Lockett’s family resides and where he has personal ties, given that his brother, Sterling Lockett, plays at Kansas State. The combination of his familial connection and the Chiefs’ high-powered offense could make for an enticing fit.

As the Seahawks look to navigate their next season with cautious optimism, moving on from Lockett seems to signal a desire to invest in their future. While he has undoubtedly made a significant impact in Seattle, with performance expected to decline at this stage of his career—particularly when factoring in his recent yardage—this decision could make sense from both an immediate and long-term perspective. The question now is where Lockett will land next, as he still has the potential to be a valuable asset for a team seeking to bolster its receiving arsenal.

Tyler Lockett Career Stats

  • 2024: 49 Receptions, 600 Receiving Yards, 2 Touchdowns
  • 2023: 79 Receptions, 894 Receiving Yards, 5 Touchdowns
  • 2022: 84 Receptions, 1,033 Receiving Yards, 9 Touchdowns
  • 2021: 73 Receptions, 1,175 Receiving Yards, 8 Touchdowns