Seahawks Set to Bring in Championship Playmaker to Fill Void of $209 Million Star
The Seattle Seahawks have several playmakers on their roster, yet there is ongoing speculation regarding the future of star receiver Tyler Lockett. The veteran is under a two-year, $209 million contract that extends through the 2025 season.
Seattle must make a decision, as Lockett is set to have a $30.8 million cap hit next year, according to Spotrac. The team has the option to part ways with Lockett this offseason, incurring only a $4 million cap hit if they release him.
In a recent mock draft for 2025, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards predicts the Seahawks will select Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 20 pick. Given the presence of DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the NFL analyst suggested that adding a tight end could be a strategy to offset Lockett’s potential departure.
“Seattle’s coaching staff is familiar with Colston Loveland,” Edwards noted. “While the tight end position wasn’t a priority for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb during his time in Washington, I wonder if that could change with Tyler Lockett’s cap hit climbing to nearly $31 million in 2025.
The Seahawks & Tyler Lockett Agreed to Restructure His $209 Million Contract in 2024
This isn’t the first time questions have arisen about Lockett’s future. However, both Lockett and the Seahawks have managed to keep him in Seattle despite ongoing NFL speculation. During the 2024 offseason, they agreed to restructure his contract to ensure he remains in the Pacific Northwest.
“WR Tyler Lockett signed a 2-year, $29.66M restructured contract with the #Seahawks, reducing his 2024 cap hit by $8.34M,” Spotrac reported on March 17 via X. “Lockett receives $12.66M guaranteed, all in 2024, making the $17M for 2025 essentially an option.”
Michigan TE Colston Loveland Played a Key Role on National Championship Team
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is familiar with Loveland from his tenure as Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Loveland played a pivotal role in Michigan’s national championship run during the 2023 season while Macdonald had moved on to the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2023, the tight end recorded 45 receptions for 649 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks Loveland as the top tight end ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, calling him a “three-level receiving threat.”
“Jim Harbaugh described Loveland as the Travis Kelce of the Michigan offense, highlighting his unique ability as a pass catcher due to his athletic skill set that enables him to attack all levels of the field,” Brugler wrote in a July 23 article titled “2025 NFL Draft summer scouting: Is there a Brock Bowers-level prospect in the TE group?” “Last season, Bowers led all FBS tight ends with 30 catches of 10 or more yards and 13 catches of 20-plus yards. Loveland followed closely, ranking second in both categories with 29 and 12 catches, despite having nine fewer targets than Bowers.
“While watching Loveland’s pass-catching skills and athleticism, the first comparison that came to mind was former Utah and current Buffalo Bills TE Dalton Kincaid. Loveland excels over the middle of the field, but I was particularly impressed by his chemistry with quarterback J.J. McCarthy when plays broke down.”
However, Loveland’s fit in Seattle may be uncertain, as the Seahawks already have several tight ends on their roster, including Noah Fant and rookie AJ Barner. For now, the Seahawks are focused on their pursuit of the NFC West title this season.
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