Bumpus: ‘Extremely important’ that Seahawks extended offensive ‘catalyst’ Tyler Lockett
Apr 2, 2021, 12:02 PM | Updated: 1:29 pm
Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and WR Tyler Lockett are a top QB-WR duo in the NFL. (Getty)
(Getty)
The Seahawks took care of business this week by locking up (get it?) one of their top offensive weapons in star wide receiver Tyler Lockett.
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Lockett, 28, had just one year left on his deal, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lockett signed a four-year extension worth up to $69.2 million. That will keep him in Seattle through the 2025 season. ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported that the extension also decreases Lockett’s 2021 cap hit from over $14 million to $7 million.
The Seahawks officially announced the extension Friday afternoon, and before that, Lockett posted pictures on Instagram of him signing the new deal and posing in front of Seattle’ practice facility with his family.
Lockett, a 2015 third-round draft pick, has been quarterback Russell Wilson’s top target over the last three seasons and he set a Seahawks record with 100 receptions last season. Lockett also ranks fifth in the NFL in receiving touchdowns since 2018 with 28, and since entering the NFL in 2015, he has the most all-purpose yards in the league between his receiving and kick and punt returns.
Former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus thinks that keeping Lockett in Seattle long-term was a great move by the Seahawks that needed to be done.
“Lockett got paid, I’m happy. (It’s) extremely important,” he said. “You need this guy on your football team.”
Just how badly do the Seahawks need Lockett? Bumpus thinks Lockett is the key player in Seattle’s offense.
“It’s kind of like last year when Tyler Lockett didn’t perform well, the game just didn’t seem right, right?” Bumpus said. “When he didn’t get his targets, he didn’t get his touches, the game just didn’t flow … I’ve said this before: Tyler Lockett is the catalyst for this offense.”
The Seahawks have other elite playmakers on offense such as receiver DK Metcalf and running back Chris Carson, but with how Wilson likes to operate offensively, Bumpus thinks Lockett is extremely critical to Seattle’s success.
“If Lockett isn’t getting available when it comes to (Wilson extending plays) going across the field and making those spectacular catches that he makes, it seems like this offense just doesn’t flow,” He said. “I think the Hawks need a guy like Tyler Lockett … He shows up, he’s quiet, he makes big plays and he is the guy that keeps things rolling for this offense.”
Lockett has a set role in the Seahawks’ offense as a top target, but maybe his most crucial role is being Wilson’s “bailout guy” when the quarterback is extending plays.
“What do people say about Russell Wilson? He scrambles and holds on to the football,” Bumpus said. “Typically when he’s scrambling and holding on to the football, who is he looking for? It’s No. 16. They have a special relationship … They just have a great feel (for each other).”
Listen to the full conversation at this link or in the player below.
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