The Patriots may wind up being winners in the Russell Wilson trade after all. While Wilson makes the Broncos instant contenders in the AFC, his departure means the Seahawks could be looking to unload some of their other veteran pieces. Matthew Judon is already recruiting recently released linebacker Bobby Wagner to New England.
Could a deal for Tyler Lockett also be on the docket?
The Seahawks are open to hearing offers for the star wideout, according to NFL reporter Evan Massey. If that’s the case, the Patriots should pounce. Lockett would be a perfect fit.
He’s developed into one of the best deep-ball trackers in the NFL, meaning his presence would instantly provide Mac Jones with a dynamic receiver who can stretch the field. Lockett is one of the more consistent performers at his position, too. He’s averaged 1,063 receiving yards and nine touchdowns per season over the last four years, including a career-high 1,175 receiving yards in 2021. Lockett hit the 100-reception mark in 2020 and posted double-digit touchdowns twice as well.
Entering his age-30 season, Lockett is in the middle of his prime. Pro Football Focus graded him the best receiver in the NFL when targeted 20+ yards downfield, beating out Cooper Kupp and Ja’Marr Chase.
The Patriots need to upgrade their receiving corps, and with Bill Belichick’s shoddy record developing wideouts — N’Keal Harry is the only receiver he’s ever taken in the first round — acquiring Lockett would be preferable to going through the draft.
The only downside is, the Patriots would probably have to wait a while before making any deal official. The Seahawks recently signed Lockett to a four-year, $69.2 million contract with $37 million guaranteed. Seattle would be hampered with a $15.2 million dead cap hit next season if it trades Lockett before June 1.
The dead money becomes more manageable if the Seahawks deal Lockett after June 1. His annual dead cap hit shrinks to $3.8 million.
With that said, the Seahawks may be patient with Lockett. Plenty of teams would certainly line up for his services if he’s made available.
But the Patriots should do all they can to secure a highly productive wideout on a reasonable deal. Who says “no” to this offer?
Patriots get: Tyler Lockett
Seahawks get: 2023 second-round pick, N’Keal Harry
The Seahawks are already swimming in draft picks after landing two first- and second-round selections for Wilson. Lockett would bring back even more draft capital. Since he likely wouldn’t be traded until after June 1, it makes sense to throw in a 2023 pick.
Harry, a 2019 first-round selection, would give the Seahawks a low-cost wideout who desperately needs a change of scenery.
Meanwhile, the Patriots would get their bonafide No. 1 target. Jones-to-Lockett has a nice ring to it.