Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Seattle Seahawks have released veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett, ending a 10-year run with one of the most accomplished players in franchise history.
Lockett, 32, ranks second in Seahawks history in catches (661), receiving yards (8,594), and receiving touchdowns (61), trailing only Hall of Famer Steve Largent. Despite his legacy, his declining production and hefty contract made his departure inevitable.
Lockett’s Message to Seattle
Shortly after the news broke, Lockett posted on X:
“I really enjoyed being in Seattle! I met so many great people and captured so many great memories! The 12’s really make this place meaningful! Although my time on the Seahawks may have run its course, I’m thankful for everything!! God gets all the glory forever!!!!”
Seattle allowed an extra day before announcing his release, ensuring a proper sendoff for one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Financial Impact and Roster Changes
Lockett was set to make $17 million in 2025, with a $30.895 million cap hit. By releasing him, Seattle saves $17 million in cap space but will take on $13.895 million in dead money.
The Seahawks had already cleared $27 million in cap space by releasing four players on Tuesday: Dre’Mont Jones, Roy Robertson-Harris, Rayshawn Jenkins, and George Fant.
Lockett’s departure is just one part of the Seahawks’ offseason shakeup. On the same day, DK Metcalf requested a trade, raising further questions about Seattle’s future at wide receiver.
Lockett’s Final Seasons in Seattle
Lockett agreed to a $4 million pay cut last offseason to stay with Seattle, but his role diminished in 2024. Jaxon Smith-Njigba took on a larger role in his second season, pushing Lockett to a secondary role.
Lockett started strong, appearing on pace for another 800+ yard season, but his targets dropped in the second half. He finished with 600 yards and two touchdowns, his lowest totals since 2017. His 74 targets were his fewest since 2018.
Despite the reduced role, Lockett pushed back against the idea that he had lost a step.
“I think the whole season has been sacrifice, and it’s sacrifice for the betterment of the team, it’s sacrifice for the betterment of the other players, it’s sacrifice for a lot of different stuff,” he said late last season. “It sucks for me as a player when you hear people say, ‘Oh, he’s too old’ or ‘He’s washed’ or ‘He’s not the same type of player.’ I promise you, if you go watch the film, that’s not the case.”
After Seattle’s season finale, he acknowledged uncertainty about his future:
“Maybe this isn’t the end, maybe it is the end. But I always will be a Seahawk through and through.”
A Legacy That Will Last
Seattle drafted Lockett in the third round in 2015 out of Kansas State. He made an immediate impact as a Pro Bowl returner, earning first-team All-Pro honors as a rookie. His breakout as a receiver came in 2018, and he posted four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2019-2022.
Lockett’s 45 touchdowns between 2018-2022 ranked fourth among all NFL receivers in that span. He also won the Steve Largent Award three times, an honor given to the Seahawks player who best exemplifies excellence on and off the field.
While his time in Seattle is over, Lockett intends to continue playing in 2025. He has also been preparing for life after football, working as a licensed real estate agent in Washington and Texas.
For now, the Seahawks move forward with Smith-Njigba as their top returning receiver—and uncertainty surrounding Metcalf’s future.
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This report used information from ESPN.
