Introduction
Tyler Lockett has been one of the more consistent and productive wide receivers in the NFL over the past decade. Yet as of the 2025 season he finds himself at a crossroads: released by his latest team, facing trade rumours, and building a legacy that perhaps defies his current on-field production. In this article we’ll dive into his release, trade possibilities, how analytics (such as Pro Football Focus) assess him, what a connection to the San Francisco 49ers might (or might not) look like, and his net worth and career earnings.
Background & Career Overview
Tyler Lockett was born September 28, 1992 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He played college football at Kansas State Wildcats from 2011-2014 and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round, 69th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
During his time in Seattle (2015-2024), Lockett filled multiple roles: wide receiver, return specialist, and veteran presence. He compiled impressive career numbers: 661 receptions, 8,594 receiving yards and 61 receiving touchdowns, ranking second in franchise history behind only Hall-Famer Steve Largent in those categories. During peak years (2019-2022) he logged multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
His size (5’10”, 182 lbs) makes him more of a slot/quick-receiver rather than a big outside target.
The Release: What Happened?
From Seattle to Tennessee
Lockett’s tenure in Seattle concluded with a release. On March 5, 2025 the Seahawks formally released him. The move allowed Seattle to clear roughly $17 million in salary/bonus obligation, including a $5.3 million roster bonus. In short: the player-team relationship was still cordial but business realities (cap space, age, production decline) pushed the separation.
Lockett then signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans in April 2025, valued at $4 million, with potential incentives raising it to $6 million.
Asking for (and getting) his release
By October 20, 2025, Lockett requested and was granted his release from the Titans after just seven games, 10 catches for 70 yards. The combination of a struggling offense, diminished role, and personal desire for a fresh start seemed to drive the mutually agreed exit.
Why this matters
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Transitioning from a long-tenured franchise WR to free agent is unique; many pass catchers wind down quietly.
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At age 33 (born 1992) and with declining production, his market will change.
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His release opens up trade and signing possibilities – many clubs will view him as a veteran upgrade, others as a risk.
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For analysts and fans alike, it prompts revision of how to evaluate his value: legacy, immediate impact, role change.
Trade Rumours & 49ers Links
Trade landscape
Given Lockett’s release and free-agent status, speculation abounds regarding where he might land. Some of the themes:
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Teams needing veteran WR help for a playoff push might pursue him. For instance, the Pittsburgh Steelers were floated as a possible landing spot, especially to reunite him with former teammate DK Metcalf.
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Some analysts caution that signing a declining veteran may not yield the expected return, particularly for teams requiring major upgrades rather than depth.
What about the 49ers?
Though your title mentions “49ers”, there are no strong public reports tying Lockett to the San Francisco 49ers for a trade at this moment. Indeed, one article notes the 49ers are focused on edge/rusher acquisitions, not wide receivers.
Still, in theory the 49ers connection could make sense:
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They have a player-friendly market for experienced receivers.
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Lockett’s knowledge and veteran presence might appeal to a team balancing youth and experience.
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But realistically, given his declining stats and the 49ers focus on other positions, a move there appears speculative at best.
Key takeaway
While trade/landing-spot rumours are active, no firm link to the 49ers exists as of now. Lockett’s next move will likely depend on fit (role, scheme, club ambition) rather than a specific team brand alone.
PFF & Analytics: How is Lockett Evaluated?
Analytics firms like Pro Football Focus (PFF) provide more context than raw statistics. Here’s a look at how Lockett’s recent and career numbers stack up.
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His 2025 numbers through six/seven games with Tennessee: 10 receptions, 70 yards, average 7.0 yards per reception.
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PFF lists his receiving stats for 2025 as: Targets 20, Receptions 10, Receiving Yards 70, TDs 0.
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In 2024, with Seattle he logged 49 receptions for 600 yards and 2 touchdowns — his lowest production since 2017.
What this suggests
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His volume and yardage have clearly declined; he is no longer the 1,000-yard threat he once was.
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A role change is likely: rather than primary receiver, more situational, slot/third-option, perhaps mentorship.
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Analysts will now weigh his experience + route-running intelligence vs his declining physical peak.
Strengths to lean on
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Elite hands, reliable in-traffic, strong after-catch ability during his peak years.
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Durability: for many seasons he was available for almost every game.
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Veteran mindset, reputation for professionalism and team culture.
Risks / Weaknesses
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Age: at 33, speed, explosion, separation margins shrink.
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Target competition: if joining a new team, may not be first-option.
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That declining production may impact contract value, role expectation.
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Salary cap realities: teams may prefer younger cheaper options.
Summary
From a PFF/analytics perspective, Lockett is shifting from “starter wide receiver” to “veteran complementary receiver with situational value”. His trade/release is partly explained by this shift in valuation. Tyler Lockett.
Net Worth, Earnings & Contract History
Contract & earnings snapshot
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Lockett’s 2025 one-year deal with Tennessee: $4 million base, up to $6 million with incentives. Fully guaranteed $3.49 million including $630,000 signing bonus.
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His career earnings according to one source: around $89,433,752.
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Another source lists net worth estimates: e.g., “currently has a net worth of $29 million” (though likely conservative) and other estimates up to $106 million.
What to interpret
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Net worth estimates vary widely depending on what is included (endorsements, real estate, investments).
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Given his decade in the league and major extension deals, a six-figure net worth (tens of millions) is plausible.
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Contract values indicate that while his peak earnings were higher, his value has already adjusted downward.
Key earning milestones
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In 2018 he signed a three-year extension worth $31.8 million.
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2021 extension: 4 years, $69.2 million.
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Career cap-savings move by Seattle: releasing him meant they saved $17 million this season.
What This Means for His Next Team & Role
Role expectation
If he signs with a new team (post-release) here are realistic role expectations:
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Slot receiver or third-option outside rather than primary WR.
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Situational matchups: short to intermediate routes, high-leverage plays, red-zone targets.
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Mentor for younger receivers; bring veteran savvy to WR room.
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Possibly special teams or limited return duty (early career he did this).
What teams might consider
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A contending team needing a veteran WR upgrade rather than full rebuild.
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A team with a quarterback who can utilize possession receivers and slot threats.
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A team willing to take on a one-year deal or short-term contract with modest guarantees.
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Fit matters: scheme, offensive coordinator, WR hierarchy.
Trade / Acquisition potential
Given his release, he is now a free agent rather than trade target — though earlier in the year when still under contract he might have been trade-targeted. As free agent:
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Bargaining power is less: performance decline and age reduce leverage.
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Value lies in his veteran status, brand, clutch experience.
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Expect modest contract, possible incentive-driven deal.
For fantasy/NFL watchers
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Be wary of expecting 1,000-yard output again.
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Good bet: steady but unspectacular production; upside limited.
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Role may fluctuate based on team, system, snap share. Tyler Lockett.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Tyler Lockett get released by the Seahawks?
A: The Seahawks released Lockett in March 2025 after ten seasons. The decision was influenced by salary cap savings (about $17 million), age and diminishing production (49 catches for 600 yards in 2024) which made his large contract untenable.
Q2: Did Lockett get traded to the 49ers?
A: No. As of now there’s no confirmed trade between Tyler Lockett and the San Francisco 49ers. While his name appears in some trade-rumour contexts, the 49ers are reportedly focusing on other positions (edge rushers).
Q3: What is Tyler Lockett’s current net worth?
A: Estimates vary. One source lists roughly $29 million, another estimates potential net worth up to $106 million. It’s important to treat these as approximations; his career earnings and real estate/endorsements likely place him solidly in multi-tens-of-millions territory.
Q4: How does PFF evaluate Tyler Lockett now?
A: Analytics show his usage and production have dropped: in 2025 he posted 10 receptions for 70 yards through seven games, and his PFF receiving yardage and targets are significantly lower than in previous years.
Q5: What teams might sign him now?
A: Candidates include teams aiming for veteran presence at WR rather than a full rebuild. For example, the Steelers were mentioned; other clubs needing slot reliability or veteran mentorship could also explore.
Conclusion
Tyler Lockett’s journey has been impressive: from Kansas State standout, to Seahawks star, to now a veteran navigating new territory. The release from the Titans and prior release by Seattle mark a transition phase. While his peak performance years appear behind him, his experience, intelligence, and proven track record still make him a valuable asset — though in a different role than before.
