As the 2025 NFL season approaches, one of the most pressing questions surrounding the Seattle Seahawks is whether veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett will remain with the team.

 

 

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, one of the most pressing questions surrounding the Seattle Seahawks is whether veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett will remain with the team. 

Lockett, who has been a mainstay in Seattle since being drafted in 2015, has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable and consistent receivers. However, as the Seahawks look toward the future, they now face a significant decision regarding the long-term role of Lockett in their offense.

Lockett’s Legacy in Seattle

Since entering the NFL, Tyler Lockett has been one of the most productive and dynamic wide receivers in the league. His ability to make explosive plays, both as a deep threat and in the slot, has made him a favorite target of Seahawks quarterbacks, most notably Russell Wilson during their years together. Lockett has been an essential part of the Seahawks’ offense, accumulating over 8,000 career receiving yards and more than 60 touchdowns.

His reliability and ability to stretch the field have made him a perfect complement to the Seahawks’ offensive schemes. Even with the departure of Wilson and the arrival of Geno Smith, Lockett’s productivity has not waned. In fact, in 2022, Lockett had another standout season, showcasing his consistent ability to perform at a high level, with 1,000+ receiving yards and multiple touchdown receptions.

However, as the Seahawks enter a new era, with a young quarterback in Smith and a roster that’s gradually being reshaped, the question remains: should the Seahawks continue to invest in Lockett, or is it time to move on?

Factors That Could Impact Lockett’s Future

1. Salary Cap Considerations Lockett, who is signed through 2025, carries a significant cap hit for the Seahawks. With the team looking to make improvements in other areas—such as defense and the offensive line—managing the salary cap is crucial. As Lockett enters the final years of his contract, the Seahawks will need to determine whether his production still justifies his cap number or if it’s more beneficial to restructure his deal or move on entirely.

   The salary cap implications are especially important with the Seahawks having other key players to consider. The team is investing in the development of Geno Smith, and will need to decide how to allocate resources to build a competitive roster for the future. If the Seahawks feel they can achieve greater financial flexibility elsewhere, they may be more inclined to part ways with Lockett.

2. Lockett’s Age and Health At 31 years old (as of 2025), Tyler Lockett is no longer in the prime of his career. While he’s maintained his elite-level production, especially considering his size (5’10”) and style of play, his age will soon become a factor. Historically, wide receivers typically begin to decline in their early 30s, especially if they’ve had a high workload over their careers.

   Additionally, Lockett has had a few injury concerns throughout his career, though they’ve been relatively minor. The Seahawks will have to weigh his durability against the promise of younger, cheaper receivers who could be developed into key contributors for the team.

3. The Rise of Young Receivers Another important factor to consider is the growth of Seattle’s younger receiving corps. Players like DK Metcalf have established themselves as the primary threat in Seattle’s passing attack, but other emerging receivers, such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba (a potential 2025 breakout player), could be ready to take on larger roles. As the Seahawks continue to build for the future, they may choose to give younger players more opportunities in order to see what they can do with increased responsibility.

   While Lockett has been a great mentor for young players and has shown an ability to adjust to a changing role, the Seahawks may eventually prioritize developing younger talent over keeping a veteran who could be past his peak.

4. Team’s Competitive Window The Seahawks are at a crossroads with their roster. While they’ve made strides in rebuilding their defense and solidifying the offensive line, they are still not considered one of the elite teams in the NFC. With Lockett nearing the end of his contract, the Seahawks will have to ask themselves whether he still fits into their competitive window.

   If the team feels that Lockett’s best years are behind him and that his production no longer aligns with their goals, it could lead to a decision to part ways. However, if Seattle feels they are still close to contending or if they want to keep a trusted veteran around to support Geno Smith’s continued development, Lockett’s presence could still be valuable.

Potential Outcomes for Lockett

1. Lockett Stays with the Seahawks One possibility is that Lockett remains with the Seahawks for 2025 and beyond. The team could restructure his contract to lower his cap hit while still keeping him as a key contributor. His leadership and experience would continue to benefit the team, particularly if Seattle remains in a position to contend for a playoff spot in the next few seasons. Lockett’s chemistry with Smith could also lead to continued success in the passing game.
2. Trade or Release If the Seahawks decide to go in a different direction, they could look to trade Lockett to a team in need of a veteran receiver, potentially acquiring draft picks or assets in return. Alternatively, if no trade market materializes, the Seahawks could release him to free up cap space.
3. Retirement or Transition to a Different Role In a scenario where Lockett’s performance begins to decline significantly, or if the Seahawks want to save money, he could take on a diminished role or even retire. However, this would seem like a less likely scenario, as Lockett’s competitive nature and productivity suggest he could continue to play at a high level for a few more years, especially if used as a secondary or slot receiver.

Conclusion

As the Seahawks weigh their options for 2025, the decision surrounding Tyler Lockett will be a pivotal one. His legacy in Seattle is secure, and his value as a player and leader is undeniable. However, with financial and roster considerations at play, the team will need to carefully assess whether Lockett remains a key part of their future or if it’s time to part ways and begin the next chapter of their rebuild.

Regardless of what the future holds for Tyler Lockett, it’s clear that his impact on the Seahawks will be felt for years to come, whether he stays or departs. Fans in Seattle can only wait and see how the team decides to handle this important decision.