It’s the end of an era in Seattle, as Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, and Geno Smith all depart for new teams. With Lockett set to join a new team in free agency, the 10-year veteran will play for a franchise other than the Seattle Seahawks for the first time in his career.
After Smith and Metcalf were traded — Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders and Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers — Lockett posted a farewell message to his former teammates.
Tyler Lockett Bids Farewell to Former Teammates Geno Smith and DK Metcalf
Rebuilds rarely happen as abruptly as the one Seattle is attempting in 2024. After it was announced that Lockett would be released ahead of free agency, Metcalf requested a trade and Smith was moved to the Raiders. Metcalf followed soon after, landing in Pittsburgh.
Lockett took to Instagram to post a photo of the three players celebrating a Metcalf touchdown. The caption read:
“My brothers!! Ima miss yall boys!! We left it all on the field!!!!”
Lockett spent six years with Metcalf in Seattle and five with Smith. The three were the core of the Seahawks’ passing attack in 2022 and 2023, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba taking center stage in 2024.
Lockett’s time in Seattle seemed to be coming to an end for a while, yet year-after-year, he defied expectations and continued contributing at a high level. His precise route-running, reliable hands, and high football IQ made him one of Smith’s most trusted targets.
Lockett leaves the organization as its second all-time leader in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns — a Seahawks legend.
What’s Next for Lockett?
Lockett is ranked No. 28 on PFSN’s Top 121 Free Agents list, ahead of Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, and DeAndre Hopkins.
“Availability hasn’t been an issue (15+ games played in every NFL season), but his ability to win downfield is stuck in reverse. That has resulted in a steep yards-per-route decline (2.36 in 2021, 1.94 in 2022, 1.61 in 2023, and 1.10 in 2024 — 66th of 72 receivers who earned at least 60 targets).
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“His 13.6% on-field target rate a season ago came on the heels of four straight years north of 21% — we could be looking at a voice-in-the-room type of add for a team that is already comfortable with its nucleus of pass catchers.”
Lockett’s playing style has been fairly age-proof up to this point, and he should find a steady role on a team that already has explosive big-play threats. Ironically, the Steelers fit that mold with established outside receivers in George Pickens and now, Lockett’s best friend, Metcalf.
Other potential landing spots include the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and New York Giants, where he could slot into a WR3 role in 2025. No matter where he lands, Lockett will provide a team one of the most reliable sets of hands in the NFL next season.