SEATTLE — On Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks made the decision to release Tyler Lockett, marking the end of a significant chapter with one of the franchise’s top playmakers. Lockett, who ranks second in the team’s history for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, has been an integral part of Seattle’s offense over the past decade. His departure comes as the team looks to manage its finances effectively ahead of the upcoming league year.
Over his impressive 10-year career with the Seahawks, Lockett amassed 661 receptions, gaining 8,564 yards and making 61 trips to the end zone. These achievements place him behind only Steve Largent, a Hall of Famer, on the Seahawks’ all-time list in those categories. However, Lockett’s performance has seen a decline recently, with a dip in output over the last two seasons. In 2023, he recorded 894 receiving yards, which further decreased to 600 in 2024, his lowest tally since the 2017 season.
Financial considerations played a substantial role in the decision to release Lockett. The team’s salary cap obligations were poised to increase significantly, with his cap number set to rise beyond $30 million in 2025. By parting ways with him, the Seahawks will save approximately $17 million in cap space, providing some much-needed flexibility. Despite the business nature of the move, Lockett, at 32, expressed an understanding of the situation. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, he reflected on his future, acknowledging the possibility that his time in Seattle might be drawing to a close. “Maybe this isn’t the end, maybe it is the end, but I always will be a Seahawk through and through,” he remarked to reporters in January.
This week has been marked by significant changes as the Seahawks strive to optimize their budget. Lockett’s release is part of broader efforts that saw the team cut ties with several veterans, including outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones, earlier in the week. These moves have enabled Seattle to free up about $30 million in cap space, positioning them better for upcoming strategic decisions.
