Could Tyler Lockett be a surprise cut this offseason?
Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi signed veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year contract just days before the 2025 NFL Draft. Borgonzi then continued investing in the wideout room through the draft, selecting Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor. Xavier Restrepo was signed in undrafted free agency to reunite with Cam Ward.
Lockett’s one-year agreement with the Titans is worth just $4 million. His guaranteed salary is under $3 million. That’s a team-friendly agreement.
The 32-year-old Lockett (33 in September) is obviously past his prime. The former Kansas State standout recorded 600 receiving yards for the Seattle Seahawks last season, his lowest output since 2017, when he was a third-year pro who started just eight games. The Seahawks released Lockett from a bloated contract earlier this offseason.
The Titans understandably managed Lockett throughout OTAs and minicamp. He was often grouped with Kevin Zeitler, another veteran free-agent signing who was mostly seen during individual periods at practice. Head coach Brian Callahan sounded confident in the experienced Lockett, choosing to prioritize his health in May and June to preserve him for September.
Titans HC Brian Callahan with updates on Jeff Simmons, Kevin Zeitler, and Tyler Lockett participating this week: pic.twitter.com/cwHzpEtS7g
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) June 10, 2025
Lockett’s non-physical participation at minicamp allowed younger receivers to get maximized reps. Restrepo, who like Lockett, projects as a slot-only receiver, led all pass catchers with 13 catches across the three practices. Fellow rookie Dike is also earning reps at slot as a bigger-bodied and speedier option compared to his counterparts.
The Titans have more competition at receiver than most imagined. Many are already predicting Borgonzi and Callahan to keep seven receivers, with special teams standout Bryce Oliver and Restrepo included in that final count. If Lockett isn’t healthy at training camp, there’s a universe out there where he’s a surprise release.
The Titans are understandably excited about what Lockett’s veteran leadership and experience adds to their culture. He’s the only proven pass-catcher at the position opposite Calvin Ridley. Lockett’s track record likely earns him a 53-man roster spot (and significant playing time), but ideally, he’d look like a sure thing at training camp.