Three Seattle Seahawks who deserve an extension today
By Geoff Shull
Seahawks extension candidate number 1: Tyler Lockett, WR
I am sure this was not a name you expected to see on the list. Tyler Lockett has 2 years left on his current contract and is firmly under team control on a very team-friendly deal.
I would like to bring you back to the intro. To give an extension, it is a sign of respect and trust between players and the team. There are not many players in the NFL that are more underpaid (outside of rookie contracts) compared to their production than Tyler Lockett.
Lockett is about as elusive as they come. He has a case of sweet feet getting his toes inbound on the most improbable of plays. He and Russell Wilson broke the record for the highest ever QB to WR rating at a perfect 158.3 in 2018. Since his extension, he has amassed 2,022 yards, 18 touchdowns, a catch rate of 78% and only 2 drops on 180 targets.
Lockett is more than deserving of an upgrade in average salary. The team could give Lockett a 2-year extension that is more in line with his worth and the current market. This would ensure he is under team control through his 20s.
Current Contract:
Terms: 3 years, $30.75 million (on year 2)
Avg Salary: $10.25 million
Cap Hits by Year:
- 2019: $7.757 million
- 2020: $12.25 million (Current year)
- 2021: $11.5 million
The current average salary has Lockett as the 22nd highest-paid WR in the NFL. This has him below the likes of Tyler Boyd, Tyrell Williams, Alshon Jeffrey and equal to Sterling Shepard. All of these players are good, but none are even remotely near Lockett’s level.
My Proposed Extension:
Terms: 2 years, $32.4 million
Avg Salary: $16.2 million
It is important to remember that this is adding on to Lockett’s current contract not replacing it. The average salary on the extension would have Lockett inside the top 10 amongst wide receivers. However, the overall contract per year value keeps him in Seattle at a team-friendly number around number 15.
So, let’s take a look at what his complete contract would look like:
Total Contract with Extension:
Terms: 4 years, $56 million
Avg Salary: $14 million
Cap Hits by Year:
- 2020: $ 9.25 million
- 2021: $13.25 million
- 2022: $15.75 million
- 2023: $17.75 million
This would be rewarding a top tier player for vastly outplaying his current contract. It would also reward the team would a few extra dollars this year in cap space. Roughly $3 million in new money to spend. Lockett would remain a Seahawk through the remainder of Russell Wilson’s contract as well. This is a win-win-win.