Tennessee Titans Welcome Tyler Lockett: A New Chapter Begins
In a move that has sparked excitement and curiosity among NFL fans, free agent wide receiver Tyler Lockett is set to join the Tennessee Titans. The announcement came on a Wednesday night, sending ripples through the football community as Lockett embarks on a new journey with the Titans.
Lockett’s deal with Tennessee is a one-year contract valued at $4 million, with the potential to reach $6 million, according to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This signing marks a significant shift for Lockett, who has been a staple in the Seattle Seahawks’ lineup for the past decade.
The Seattle Seahawks made the decision to release Lockett, 32, on March 5. This move concluded a remarkable 10-year tenure in Seattle, where Lockett became the second-most-prolific pass catcher in the franchise’s history. By parting ways with Lockett, the Seahawks managed to save $17 million in cash and cap space, although they incurred $13.895 million in dead money.
Reflecting on his time with the Seahawks, Lockett had previously expressed his gratitude towards Seahawks general manager John Schneider. Schneider had brought him back last offseason, despite uncertainties surrounding Lockett’s future in Seattle. This was particularly true after a slight downturn in his production and the departure of head coach Pete Carroll. As part of a restructured contract, Lockett agreed to a $4 million pay cut before entering free agency.
However, Lockett found himself taking a backseat in Seattle’s receiver corps, as Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as a breakout star in his second season. Lockett started the year strong, on track to replicate his 894-yard, five-touchdown season from 2023. But as Smith-Njigba became the focal point of Seattle’s passing game in the latter half of the season, Lockett finished with 600 receiving yards and two touchdowns, marking his lowest totals in each category since 2017. His 74 targets were also his fewest since 2018.
Lockett’s journey in the NFL began when Seattle drafted him in the third round out of Kansas State in 2015. He made an immediate impact as a kick returner, earning a Pro Bowl selection and being named first-team All-Pro as a rookie. His breakout as a receiver came in 2018, when he recorded 965 yards and 10 touchdowns. Over the next four seasons, he consistently topped 1,000 yards, and his 45 touchdowns during that five-year span ranked tied for fourth most among wide receivers.
Throughout his career, Lockett has been remarkably durable, missing only two games due to injury and one due to COVID-19. He ranks second in franchise history, trailing only Hall of Famer Steve Largent in catches (661), receiving yards (8,594), and receiving touchdowns (61). In December, he was honored as a three-time winner of the team’s annual Steve Largent Award, which is voted on by players in recognition of excellence both on and off the field.
As Lockett transitions to the Titans, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will fit into Tennessee’s offensive scheme. Will he bring the same level of impact and leadership that he demonstrated in Seattle? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Tyler Lockett’s journey in the NFL is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be just as thrilling as the last.
- Tyler Lockett’s new deal: 1-year, $4 million, up to $6 million
- Seattle Seahawks released Lockett on March 5
- Lockett’s career stats: 661 catches, 8,594 yards, 61 touchdowns
- Three-time winner of the Steve Largent Award
ESPN’s Brady Henderson contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
