The Seattle Seahawks sent shockwaves through the city after releasing long-time wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who was known both for his on and off-the-field contributions and was admired by the fans.
Lockett spent a decade in Seattle and was a reliable target for the team over the years. As he enters free agency for the first time, finding a new team for the talented receiver will not be difficult.
Lockett’s Legacy in Seattle
For 10 straight seasons since being drafted by them in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Lockett was the steady, reliable presence in the Seahawks’ passing game. He leaves Seattle ranked second in franchise history in receptions (661) and receiving yards (8,594), trailing only Hall of Famer Steve Largent in both categories.
His 65 career touchdown catches rank him fourth in franchise history behind Shaun Alexander (112), Steve Largent (101), and only one less than Marshawn ‘Beast Mode’ Lynch (66).
Beyond the numbers, Lockett was the heartbeat of the team’s offense. His chemistry with Russell Wilson was critical for Seattle’s aerial attack for years, and when Geno Smith took over, Lockett quickly became his most trusted target.
Whether it was a perfectly timed sideline route, a clutch third-down conversion, or a quiet moment of leadership in the locker room, Lockett quietly delivered time and time again.
5 Landing Spots For Tyler Lockett
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have been linked to Lockett following his release, along with their offensive line and receiving corps struggling last season. The Chiefs lacked a true wideout with Rashee Rice injured, while Xavier Worthy led the team with 59 catches for 638 yards.
The Chiefs need upgrades in their receiver room, and adding Lockett not only gives a cushion to Rice to return with ease, it allows Mahomes to have a reliable veteran receiver who could also create opportunities for the rookie on the field.
However, according to Spotrac’s projections, Lockett is projected to be worth around $7.7 million on a one-year contract, while Kansas City currently remains $3 million over the salary cap, making this a financially difficult move. But given Lockett’s caliber and the Chiefs’ receiver needs, they might find a way to make the deal work.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ passing game struggled last season, ranking 21st in scoring. This was largely due to a lack of reliable weapons beyond fifth-year senior CeeDee Lamb. Jalen Tolbert was the team’s second-leading receiver with just 610 yards, while KaVontae Turpin followed with 420 yards.
Thus, Dallas could greatly benefit from adding a dynamic, reliable receiver for WR2 alongside Lamb. Lockett is not only one of the most reliable receivers in free agency, but he would also be a steal at his projected $7.7 million contract.
Las Vegas Raiders
With the quarterback question solved for the Las Vegas Raiders, their attention now turns to surrounding Geno Smith with firepower on offense.
Las Vegas’ offense features a bright young star in tight end Brock Bowers. As a rookie, he led all TEs in receptions (112), receiving yards (1,194), and yards after catch (596).
Outside of Bowers and veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders lack upside at the skill positions, and signing Lockett in free agency could make an instant upgrade to their offense, which ranked 27th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills are fresh off giving Josh Allen a historic contract, but if they don’t want to be beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs yet again in the playoffs, they need to sign Lockett before the Chiefs do.
The lead receiver for the Bills last season, Khalil Shakir, had just 821 receiving yards. Instead, the team had to rely heavily on the run to support an offense that ranked fourth in PFSN’s Offense+ ranking.
It was good enough to support eight consecutive games with 30 or more points. But by the time the postseason arrived, the Chiefs were able to exploit the offense’s relatively one-dimensional nature.
As a result, adding quality wide receivers like Lockett has to be a priority for the team to have that versatility on offense to support a potential Super Bowl contender.
Houston Texans
With all three starting receivers suffering significant injuries during the season, the Houston Texans’ offense couldn’t reproduce its 2023 form despite some heroic displays from running back Joe Mixon.
With Tank Dell set to miss significant time in 2025 after suffering a devastating knee injury against Kansas City in Week 16 of the 2024 season, veteran receiver Stefon Diggs is a free agent, leaving alpha receiver Nico Collins as the team’s only recognized starter at the position.
Lockett could help fill that role for the Texans and become a reliable target for C.J. Stroud. However, Houston is also struggling with salary cap issues and might look towards the draft if a deal with Lockett can’t be reached.