Seahawks May Consider Cutting Veteran Star Tyler Lockett Post-June 1: Analyst
Longtime veteran of the Seattle Seahawks, Tyler Lockett, may be a potential cut or trade candidate after June 1. As highlighted by Pro Football Network’s Tony Catalina, the 31-year-old wide receiver could be a logical candidate for the Seahawks to move on from. If the Seahawks were to release or trade Lockett after June 1, they would save $17 million while absorbing a $9.9 million dead cap hit.
Catalina argues that the Seahawks are trending towards a younger roster, especially under the new regime led by first-year head coach Mike Macdonald. Unloading Lockett, a seasoned player, could align with this youth movement.
“Trading or cutting Lockett with a post-June 1 designation would save Seattle $17 million with a roughly $9.9 million dead cap hit, setting up a situation where the Seahawks are able to save money while also beginning more of a youth movement around a team that appears to be getting younger,” Catalina writes.
Tyler Lockett Remains a Key Player for Seahawks
Lockett has been a crucial part of the Seahawks since 2015 when the franchise used a third-round draft pick on him. The 5-foot-10 receiver is the longest-tenured member of Seattle and has been a starter since his rookie season. Even at nearly 32 years old, Lockett remains a productive weapon, being the second-best receiver on the team. He led the Seahawks in receptions last season and ranked second in receiving yards and touchdowns, with his 122 targets pacing the team, slightly ahead of star receiver D.K. Metcalf.
However, with the emergence of 2023 first-round draft pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Lockett’s role may shift. Smith-Njigba had an impressive rookie season as the team’s No. 3 option, recording 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns. It’s likely only a matter of time before Smith-Njigba becomes a primary target in the offense.
Financial Implications and Future Considerations
From a financial standpoint, the move to release Lockett post-June 1 makes sense. Lockett agreed to a restructured deal in the offseason, which sees him earn $30 million over two years with a maximum value of $34 million and nearly $13 million guaranteed this season. Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports explains that this restructure reduced Lockett’s cap hit over the next two years from $53.79 million to $30 million, and his salary for this season from $27 million to an estimated $15 million-$17 million.
Why Unloading Lockett Might Not Make Sense
While the cap savings of $17 million would take effect for the 2025 season, the Seahawks are entering a season with playoff aspirations under a new head coach. Releasing Lockett, the team’s leading receiver last season, seems counterintuitive unless a significant trade offer arises. Any potential trade would need to provide value, likely in the form of a high draft pick, to justify letting go of a player as impactful as Lockett.
The more probable scenario is that Seattle retains Lockett, though possibly in a reduced role. The idea of releasing Lockett makes little sense when considering his contributions and the potential difficulty in finding a team willing to take on his cap figure of over $18 million for a 32-year-old receiver.
