Report: Seahawks ink WR Tyler Lockett to 4-year contract extension

One key member of the Seahawks’ offense whose future has been a bit uncertain this offseason is wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who contract is set to end at the end of the 2021 season. But according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lockett’s future is far more clear now.

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Per Schefter, the Seahawks and Lockett have agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $69.2 million, including $37 million guaranteed.

At $17.3 million per year over those four years, the reported extension would put Lockett at No. 10 for wide receiver contracts in the NFL when it comes to average annual salary.

Seattle Seahawks are giving WR Tyler Lockett a four-year, $69.2 million contract extension, including $37M guaranteed, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 31, 2021

As noted, 2021 was the last year on Lockett’s current deal, and he was set to make just under $14 million. While the exact breakdown of his new deal hasn’t been revealed, it’s likely that it will lower his salary cap hit for 2021, which would be critical as the Seahawks don’t have much available space with a decreased salary cap for the upcoming season.

Lockett, 28, was the Seahawks’ third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft after a standout career at Kansas State, and he has been one of quarterback Russell Wilson’s top targets for a number of years now.

Lockett earned All-Pro honors as a rookie in 2015 as a kick and punt returner, and after serving as a No. 2 or 3 receiver for his first three seasons, Lockett signed a three-year, $30.75 million extension ahead of the 2018 season despite his career-high in receiving yards being 664 at the time of the extension. He quickly proved he was worth the money and then some, recording 965 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2018.

Lockett followed up on that breakout campaign with 1,057 yards and eight scores in 2019, and in 2020 he had 1,054 yards and 100 catches, the latter of which set a new Seahawks franchise record. For his career, Lockett has 376 receptions, 4,892 yards and 37 receiving touchdowns.

Lockett and 2019 Seahawks second-round pick DK Metcalf have emerged as one of the best receiver duos in the NFL over the last two years. Each compiled over 1,000 yards in 2020, and while Lockett set the Seahawks record for receptions, Metcalf’s 1,303 receiving yards were also a franchise record.

It’s safe to say Wilson is a fan of the reported contract extension.

The homie!!! @TDLockett12 Let’s go!!!
You deserve it all! Love you bro! 💪🏾🙌🏾

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 31, 2021

With Lockett reportedly locked up for years to come, all eyes turn to All-Pro safety Jamal Adams, who is entering the last year of his rookie deal. The Seahawks traded two first-round picks, a third-round pick and safety Bradley McDougald to the New York Jets for Adams and a 2022 fourth-round pick last offseason. Adams led the Seahawks in sacks with 9.5 in 2020.

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