In order to improve their offensive with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff at the forefront, the Detroit Lions are interested in Tyler Lockett for a $7.7 million redemption arc.
The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise, with new hope and optimism shining in their offense. With the emergence of star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and the solid leadership of quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions appear poised to make a serious run at becoming one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive units in the coming seasons. However, to reach their full potential, the Lions may need one more piece—an experienced, reliable, and explosive receiver to complement St. Brown and take their passing game to the next level.
Enter Tyler Lockett, the Seattle Seahawks’ veteran wide receiver who has long been known for his incredible speed, route-running precision, and ability to make spectacular plays downfield. Lockett has spent the majority of his career in Seattle, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most underrated and reliable wideouts. Now, rumors are swirling that the Detroit Lions could be interested in acquiring Lockett, potentially offering him a $7.7 million redemption arc.
In this article, we will explore what Tyler Lockett could bring to the Detroit Lions, why he might be the missing link to their offensive success, and what a potential deal could look like. Additionally, we’ll examine the possible risks and rewards for both Lockett and the Lions as they look to embark on this new chapter together.
Detroit Lions: A Team on the Rise
Before diving into the potential acquisition of Tyler Lockett, it’s essential to understand where the Detroit Lions stand today. After years of mediocrity and frustration, the Lions have finally begun to show signs of life under head coach Dan Campbell. In the 2022 season, the Lions finished with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing out on a playoff berth. Despite this near-miss, the team’s offensive growth was evident, particularly in the passing game.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions’ second-year wide receiver, emerged as one of the league’s top young stars. St. Brown caught 106 passes for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns, proving himself to be a reliable target and a playmaker for Goff. His ability to work both underneath and stretch the field vertically made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Jared Goff, meanwhile, had a career renaissance in 2022. After a rough start to his time in Detroit following the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams, Goff found his rhythm in Campbell’s offense. He finished the season with over 4,000 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions, showcasing his ability to lead a high-powered offense.
Despite these positive developments, the Lions still lacked the kind of explosive playmaking ability that could propel them into the league’s elite ranks. St. Brown is an excellent receiver, but he’s not a true deep threat. The Lions could use another wideout who could stretch the field and open up more opportunities for Goff and St. Brown to work their magic underneath.
This is where Tyler Lockett comes into play.
Tyler Lockett: A Proven Deep Threat
Tyler Lockett has been one of the most consistent and dangerous wide receivers in the NFL over the past several years. Since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Lockett has built a reputation as one of the most explosive deep threats in the league. Whether it’s his ability to track the ball downfield or his uncanny ability to make highlight-reel catches, Lockett is a player that can change the complexion of a game in an instant.
Lockett’s 2022 season was a continuation of his elite production. He recorded 84 receptions for 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 12.3 yards per catch. While Lockett may not be the biggest receiver (standing at 5’10” and weighing 182 pounds), he has an innate ability to make defenders miss and get open deep down the field. His quickness, route-running savvy, and strong hands make him a nightmare for defensive backs, particularly when the ball is in the air.
Lockett’s ability to stretch the field would immediately give the Detroit Lions’ offense another dimension. While Amon-Ra St. Brown excels at creating separation and making plays in the short to intermediate passing game, Lockett could be the perfect complement by providing Goff with a legitimate deep threat. Lockett has shown time and time again that he can make big plays, whether it’s on a deep post, a go route, or a contested catch down the sideline. His presence on the field would force opposing defenses to account for him at all times, which would only create more opportunities for St. Brown and the rest of the Lions’ offense to succeed.
Furthermore, Lockett has demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout his career. In the last five seasons, he has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in all but one year (2020). This level of sustained production is something that the Lions would greatly benefit from, especially as they continue to build around Goff and St. Brown.
The $7.7 Million Redemption Arc
The $7.7 million figure is an intriguing one, as it suggests that the Detroit Lions would be targeting Lockett at a reasonable price given the current state of his contract. Lockett is under contract with the Seahawks through the 2025 season, but there has been speculation that Seattle could be open to parting ways with him, particularly if they’re looking to retool or rebuild their roster. If the Seahawks are willing to trade Lockett, the Lions could find themselves in an advantageous position to acquire him at a relatively low cost.
The $7.7 million redemption arc could serve as a win-win for both Lockett and the Lions. For Lockett, this could be an opportunity to rejuvenate his career and prove that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. After spending much of his career with Seattle, Lockett may be ready for a change of scenery, and a fresh start with a rising team like the Lions could provide the perfect environment for him to thrive.
For the Lions, acquiring Lockett at this price would be a savvy move. It would give them an immediate upgrade at the wide receiver position without breaking the bank. The Lions are a team with a lot of young talent and promising potential, and adding Lockett could provide the veteran leadership and playmaking ability that they need to take the next step toward contention. Lockett’s presence would allow the Lions to stretch the field more effectively, open up the middle of the field for St. Brown, and create more opportunities for Goff to push the ball downfield.
The Risk and Reward for the Detroit Lions
While acquiring Tyler Lockett would undoubtedly bolster the Lions’ offense, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks involved in such a move. First and foremost, Lockett is no longer in the prime of his career. At 31 years old, Lockett is entering the latter stages of his playing years, and there’s always a risk that his performance could decline as he ages. While his production has remained steady over the years, there’s always the possibility that his skills could start to diminish, especially if he faces injury setbacks or a drop-off in his athleticism.
Another concern is the fit within the Lions’ offense. While Lockett’s deep threat ability would be a welcome addition, there’s always the challenge of how new players integrate into an established system. The Lions have a relatively young and developing offense, and Lockett would need to build chemistry with Jared Goff quickly to maximize their potential. Fortunately, Lockett’s route-running precision and ability to create separation should help him integrate seamlessly into most systems, but it’s still something to consider.
Lastly, there’s the question of cost. While $7.7 million is a manageable price, the Lions must weigh whether that money could be better spent elsewhere. They have several other needs on their roster, including bolstering their defense and adding depth to their offensive line. If they decide to trade for Lockett, they’ll need to make sure that they’re not overcommitting to one position and neglecting other areas that could have a bigger impact on the team’s overall success.
A Potential Game-Changer for the Lions
The Detroit Lions are an ascending team, and adding a player like Tyler Lockett could be the final piece to help them make the leap from playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders. Lockett’s deep threat ability, consistency, and playmaking prowess would give the Lions’ offense the spark it needs to compete with the league’s best. His $7.7 million price tag presents an intriguing opportunity for the Lions to acquire a high-impact player at a relatively low cost, creating a potential redemption arc for both Lockett and the team.
If the Lions can land Lockett, they would have one of the most dynamic offensive units in the NFL, with Jared Goff leading the charge, Amon-Ra St. Brown as the reliable route technician, and Tyler Lockett as the deep threat who can take the top off any defense. The only question left is whether the Lions can pull off the trade and add Lockett to their already potent offensive arsenal. If they do, the sky could be the limit for the Detroit Lions in the coming years.