The Seattle Seahawks have an abundance of talent at the wide receiver position, with their top three pass-catchers—Jaxon Smith-Njigba (100 receptions), D.K. Metcalf (66), and 10-year veteran Tyler Lockett (49)—accounting for over half of the team’s total completions (215). These three also combined to catch 13 of quarterback Geno Smith’s 21 touchdown passes this season. However, despite their strong receiving corps, the Seahawks are facing significant financial constraints, as they are currently around $11.32 million over the projected salary cap. Only the Saints, Browns, and Dolphins are in worse cap situations, according to Spotrac.
There have been recent discussions suggesting the team may consider parting ways with Lockett to alleviate some of this financial pressure. As pointed out by Bleacher Report, it may not be financially wise to continue paying a 32-year-old wide receiver, especially after a 600-yard season. Lockett has been a staple of the Seahawks for his entire career, but his role within the receiver hierarchy is diminishing, and the team has pressing needs in other areas of the roster. One possible solution could be restructuring or extending Lockett’s contract to include a pay cut or a reallocation of funds, but outright releasing him would save the Seahawks $17 million in cap space.
If the Seahawks do move on from Lockett, NFL.com Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein suggests they should look to replace him in the first round of the draft, with University of Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III as a top candidate. While the team has interior offensive line needs, Zierlein believes the Seahawks could trade back in the draft to address those, leaving them in position to draft Burden as Lockett’s potential successor.
Burden has been a standout performer for the Tigers over three seasons, amassing 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns. In addition to his receiving stats, he also contributed in the running game, rushing 34 times for 234 yards and four touchdowns. With defenses already focused on Smith-Njigba and Metcalf, Burden could thrive in a Seahawks offense looking to maintain its dynamic passing attack.
