The Seattle Seahawks are on a strong run, having won four straight games and sitting atop the NFC West with just four games left. They control their playoff destiny and could be a dangerous postseason team.
However, amid their success, wide receiver Tyler Lockett has struggled. Once one of the franchise’s top receivers, Lockett has now fallen to third on the depth chart. With his salary set to rise next season, it’s becoming harder to justify keeping him if he continues as a reduced role player.
DK Metcalf has firmly established himself as Seattle’s WR1, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, in only his rookie season, now leads the team in catches and receiving yards. At 22, Smith-Njigba is a long-term asset, especially with his rookie contract set to last through 2027, assuming the Seahawks exercise his fifth-year option.
Lockett’s role has diminished, as he’s been targeted fewer than four times in each of the past six games. In Week 14 against Arizona, he had just one target. Aside from a 63-yard game in Week 9, Lockett hasn’t been effective, failing to exceed 20 yards in his last six appearances. Meanwhile, Smith-Njigba’s role continues to grow, and Metcalf remains consistent.
Lockett’s cap hit is a hefty $30.9 million, but the Seahawks could save nearly $27 million by cutting him. With Lockett set to turn 33 in 2025, his age and reliance on speed make him less viable. The Seahawks are also in a tight financial position, so releasing him could free up significant cap space for free agents and other team needs.
Lockett could also retire to focus on his growing real estate business and charitable work. Either way, the Seahawks are well-positioned to continue their success without him, particularly given the financial flexibility his departure would provide.
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