One of the most beloved Seattle Seahawks over the past decade, Tyler Lockett was drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Since he was drafted, Lockett captured the hearts of Seahawks fans as he developed into one of the best receivers in the league. For the last decade, Lockett has been a staple in Seattle's offense as the most dependable receiver on the team.
As Lockett has grown into a veteran receiver, he has taken on a leadership role. Once, Lockett was the young guy in the receivers' room, learning from players like Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse. However, at 32 years old, Lockett is now the veteran and leader in the receivers' room, setting an example for his younger counterparts. Guys like DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba may not have grown into the stars they are today without Tyler Lockett.
Unfortunately, the NFL is a business and teams only have so much money to go around. With Lockett set to account for over $30 million of Seattle's cap in 2025, the stark truth is Seattle may have to terminate that contract. At 32, and with a steep decline in production, all signs point towards Seattle parting ways with Lockett in 2025. But who would replace him?
Potential replacements for Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett should he leave this offseason
Rondale Moore
After starring in college football at Purdue University, the Arizona Cardinals drafted wide receiver Rondale Moore with their second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. A speedster home-run threat, Moore's most productive season in Arizona was his rookie season, as he played in 14 games, He recorded 54 receptions on 64 targets for 435 yards and a single touchdown.
Moore was also effective as a rusher. In 2023, Arizona gave Moore 28 carries from the backfield, resulting in 178 yards and a touchdown. Moore also carved out a role as an effective kick returner, a fact that should pique the interest of Seahawks fans. However, since then, Moore has dealt with several injuries. Since 2022, Moore has only played in 25 games, including missing the entire 2024 campaign after being traded to Atlanta.
With his rookie deal expired, coupled with the various injuries that have derailed his young career, Moore should not command much money at all. Seattle could go out and give Moore only a few million to come in on a one-year "prove it" deal. While he may not be Tyler Lockett, Moore could still provide a spark to the Seahawks' offense and divert attention away from DK and JSN as a deep threat. Moore will only be 25 years old in 2025.
Emeka Egbuka
The Seahawks have had pretty decent luck drafting wide receivers early in the draft lately. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf were both early hits, so it's not impossible for Seattle to draft another one to replace Lockett. Emeka Egbuka, a former teammate of JSN at Ohio State, could very well be available at the 18th pick.
Egbuka, a 6'1" target from Ohio State, racked up 896 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for the Buckeyes in 2024. Ohio State has become arguably Wide Receiver University, pumping out NFL stars annually. Egbuka is no exception as he developed into an impeccable route-runner who was seemingly always open.
Egbuka is excellent in getting open, but really stars after the catch. He was a YAC monster, constantly turning in big plays with the Buckeyes. Egbuka's production was impressive but it becomes even more impressive when you realize he was sharing the field with guys like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jeremiah Smith over the years. While their first-round pick may be better suited to filling other holes on the roster, Egbuka would certainly fill the hole Lockett would leave.
Jake Bobo
The Seahawks' mantra for so long was "next man up." So why not? Jake Bobo, another fan favorite, has been WR4 on the Seahawks for two years now. Limited by the receivers in front of him on the depth chart, Bobo hasn't been given too many chances. However, if Lockett is waived this offseason, Seattle may look internally for his replacement.
Bobo, the 26-year-old out of UCLA, has shown big-play potential in his limited play in Seattle. While he isn't the greatest athlete in the world and is hampered by a serious lack of speed, it seems like any time Bobo is in the game; he is apt to make a big play. At 6'4," Bobo is a huge target for Smith, who seems to already trust him.
While Bobo only finished with a little over 100 yards in 2024, he could be poised for a big increase in his role in 2025. If Seattle chooses to look internally for Lockett's replacement, he'll likely be competing with the likes of Dareke Young, Cody Thompson, and John Rhys Plumlee, who I am currently learning is on the Seahawks roster as a wide receiver after playing quarterback for UCF, my alma mater.