Tyler Lockett has been an overlooked signing for the Tennessee Titans, but the veteran receiver can provide a lot for rookie quarterback Cam Ward and the team.
Tyler Lockett signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans a few days before the draft, and it ended up being a move that most people overlooked. Everyone acknowledged that Lockett is a veteran receiver that could help rookie quarterback Cam Ward, but the addition didn’t really move the needle since people are convinced Lockett is over the hill.
While the veteran wideout is turning 33 in September, and will be in his 11th NFL season, he’s still better than people are giving him credit for. Lockett hasn’t been shy about pointing that out. Speaking with Jim Wyatt, Senior Writer/Editor for the Titans’ official team website, Lockett advised fans not to look at his dip in production in 2024 as a regression in his game.
He pointed out the nuances of being a veteran receiver in the NFL, and explained that he scarified a lot in his final season with the Seattle Seahawks for the betterment of the team.
"But there is so much more that people don't see that teams require and that teams need, which is the leadership role, or that selfless character, or different stuff like that. Sometimes it's not about stats, but it's about how you build each other up. So, for me, I sacrificed a lot of stuff last year (in Seattle) for the better of the team, and I just believe that is what you want to do in order to be able to try and help the team be at its best."Tyler Lockett (
Tyler Lockett believes he can still play a big role for the Titans
Lockett is likely referring to taking on a reduced role in Seattle as the Seahawks made DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba their top two receivers. As a result, Lockett had just 74 targets in 17 games— the lowest number of his career since recording 70 targets back in 2018. From 2019 to 2023, the veteran receiver had well over 100 targets each season.
Even with 74 targets last season, he still posted 49 receptions for 600 yards and two touchdowns, showing he can still be productive when given the opportunity. Now, he’ll have the opportunity in Tennessee. The Titans don’t have a deep receiving room, with Calvin Ridley and Treylon Burks as the other two wideouts expected to start alongside Lockett.
Lockett will be able to show what he still has in the tank, and possibly emerge as an important veteran receiver for Cam Ward, as the rookie quarterback transitions to the NFL.
