The Seattle Seahawks are looking into possibly cutting Tyler Lockett this summer. The three-time All-Pro wideout is a potential cap casualty since he will carry a $27.8 million cap hit and because he will turn 32 by September.
With Mike Macdonald ushering in a new era for the Seattle Seahawks, we wouldn’t be surprised if they let go of some of their key veterans, starting with Lockett.
The former Kansas State Wildcat is under contract with the team through 2025, but he has an out clause available for 2024, and he could exercise it to test the open market.
Seattle Seahawks seeing signs of decline from Tyler Lockett
Tyler Lockett is currently the longest-tenured member of the Seattle Seahawks. In his nine seasons with Seattle, Lockett has been one of the team’s most consistent wide receivers, but he is coming off a down year in 2023.
Lockett failed to surpass the 1,000-receiving-yard threshold for the first time since 2018, tallying only 894 receiving yards for 79 receptions and only five receiving touchdowns, and he didn’t have a single 100-yard game in 2023.
But if he ultimately leaves the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, he will have suitors since he still has something left on his tank, and recent reports have him linked with a potential transfer to the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans.
“Houston already has the long-term quarterback with C.J. Stroud, so the Texans won’t be starting over like the Patriots,” wrote Lee Vowell. “Lockett would be going to a team where he would be helping a young quarterback, but he also wouldn’t be the only receiver who could be productive, and Houston can pay Lockett top-dollar.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be the Seattle Seahawks No. 2 WR if Tyler Lockett leaves
The impending departure of Tyler Lockett will open up a big opportunity for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, as he will be the Seattle Seahawks’ second-best wide receiver behind DK Metcalf, who is unlikely to be traded this summer.
In his rookie NFL season, the 22-year-old recorded 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns. In their 20-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was able to fill in for DK Metcalf, who was out for the first time in his NFL career due to a rib injury.
Smith-Njigba also scored game-winning touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 of the regular season.