Tyler Lockett is considered one of the most accomplished wide receivers in Seattle Seahawks history. However, at 32 years old, with declining performance and a rising salary cap hit, he is seen as one of the team’s most likely cap casualties this offseason.
Lockett is projected to have a $30.895 million cap hit for 2025, the third-highest on the team, behind quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf. Seattle is currently projected to be $13.5 million over the cap, the fourth-worst cap situation in the league. Releasing Lockett could free up $17 million in cap space.
When asked about Lockett’s future during a press conference introducing new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said, “I think we’re working through that right now. But those decisions will probably happen in the next month or two.” Lockett’s $5.3 million roster bonus is due by March 16, so a decision is expected before then.
Lockett, drafted by Seattle in the third round of the 2015 draft, has accumulated 8,594 receiving yards and 61 touchdown receptions in his 10-year career with the team, ranking second in franchise history in both categories, behind only Hall of Famer Steve Largent.
After four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2019 to 2022, Lockett’s production has decreased over the last two years. In 2023, he finished with 894 receiving yards and five touchdowns despite battling a hamstring injury. This past season, he posted his lowest totals since 2017, with 49 catches for 600 yards and two touchdowns. He also fell to third in the receiving hierarchy behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had a breakout 1,130-yard season, and Metcalf, who posted 992 yards.
Before Seattle’s regular-season finale last month, Lockett reflected on the possibility of his time with the Seahawks coming to an end. “It went through my mind that maybe this could be my last Thursday practice or my last Friday practice with being part of the team,” Lockett said. “But again, those conversations are going to be had at the end of the season. To me, there’s no hostility… There’s always love on my side of things.”
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