The Seattle Seahawks have several key players, but questions remain about the future of star receiver Tyler Lockett. The veteran wideout is currently on a two-year, $29 million contract through 2025.
Seattle faces a tough decision as Lockett’s cap hit is projected to be $30.8 million next season, according to Spotrac. The team could choose to part ways with Lockett this offseason, incurring only a $4 million cap hit by releasing him.
In an October 16, 2024, mock draft for the 2025 NFL Draft, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards predicted the Seahawks might select Michigan tight end with the No. 20 pick. Given that DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are already on the roster, Edwards speculated whether drafting a tight end could serve as a replacement for Lockett.
“Seattle’s coaching staff is familiar with Him,” Edwards noted. “Though offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb didn’t heavily emphasize tight ends at Washington, there could be changes coming with Lockett’s salary cap hit nearing $31 million in 2025.”
The Seahawks & Tyler Lockett Agreed to Restructure His $29 Million Contract in 2024
This isn’t the first time questions have been raised about Lockett’s future. However, both sides have managed to keep Lockett in Seattle despite ongoing NFL rumors. In the 2024 offseason, Lockett and the Seahawks agreed to restructure his contract to retain him in the Pacific Northwest.
“WR Tyler Lockett signed a 2-year, $29.66M restructured deal with the #Seahawks, reducing his 2024 cap hit by $8.34M,” Spotrac reported in a March 17 post on X. “Lockett receives $12.66M guaranteed, all in 2024, with the $17M for 2025 effectively functioning as an option.”
Michigan TE Colston Loveland Played a Key Role on National Championship Team
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has some familiarity with Loveland from his tenure as Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Loveland played a crucial role in Michigan’s national championship push in 2023, after Macdonald had moved on to coach with the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2023, Loveland recorded 45 receptions for 649 yards and 4 touchdowns. According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Loveland is the top-ranked tight end for the 2025 NFL Draft, calling him a “three-level receiving threat.”
Jim Harbaugh even referred to Loveland as the “Travis Kelce of the Michigan offense,” crediting his athleticism, which allows him to excel at every level of the field. Brugler highlighted that while Brock Bowers led all FBS tight ends with 30 catches of 10-plus yards and 13 of 20-plus yards, Loveland was close behind with 29 and 12 catches on fewer targets.
Brugler compared Loveland to former Utah and current Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid, noting his impressive pass-catching ability and connection with quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Despite the Seahawks already having several tight ends, including Noah Fant and rookie AJ Barner, Loveland’s potential fit remains intriguing as Seattle focuses on winning the NFC West.
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