The Tennessee Titans have made a significant splash in the days leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, signing veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year deal. The move is as strategic as it is symbolic—a clear signal that the Titans are serious about retooling their offense and giving their next quarterback, whether it’s Will Levis or a soon-to-be-drafted rookie, the best possible chance to succeed in 2025.
Tyler Lockett, one of the most respected and consistent receivers of the last decade, brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability to a Titans team in need of both. After spending his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks, Lockett now heads east to Nashville, where he is expected to step immediately into a leadership role on a young and evolving offense. At 32 years old, Lockett’s best years may be behind him, but his football IQ, route-running precision, and dependable hands make him a high-value addition for a team transitioning into a new era.
The decision to sign Lockett is part of a broader, more aggressive plan under head coach Brian Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon. With longtime quarterback Ryan Tannehill gone and Derrick Henry now suiting up for the Baltimore Ravens, the Titans are at a clear inflection point. It would’ve been easy for the organization to begin a complete rebuild. Instead, they are attempting something more nuanced: a reset that pairs youth at quarterback with seasoned skill position players capable of smoothing the transition.
Lockett is precisely that type of player. A third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, he has racked up over 9,000 career receiving yards and more than 60 touchdowns, all while serving as a model of consistency and professionalism. During his time in Seattle, Lockett developed a reputation for delivering in clutch moments, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. He was a favorite target of Russell Wilson for years, and more recently, he helped stabilize the passing game as Geno Smith emerged as a starter. Now, he brings those same traits to a Titans offense in flux.
The move is especially important considering Tennessee’s current receiver situation. Former first-round pick Treylon Burks has shown flashes of promise, but injuries and inconsistency have stalled his progress. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is a reliable possession receiver, but he’s not a game-changer. Meanwhile, second-year receiver Colton Dowell and slot man Kyle Philips are still developing. The addition of Lockett instantly upgrades the group, giving the Titans a proven veteran who can both contribute immediately and mentor younger teammates.
Lockett’s signing also fits neatly with what the Titans appear poised to do in the upcoming NFL Draft. Holding the No. 7 overall pick, Tennessee has been frequently linked to top quarterback prospects, including Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., and even a potential trade-up scenario for a shot at LSU’s Jayden Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye. Whether they ultimately pull the trigger on a quarterback in the first round or stick with Levis for another year, the front office clearly understands the value of surrounding the position with experienced playmakers.
In Lockett, the Titans are getting more than a stat sheet filler. They’re adding a veteran who understands defensive coverages, knows how to find soft spots in zones, and is still capable of making explosive plays downfield. His ability to track deep balls and work the sidelines makes him an ideal fit in Callahan’s system, which is expected to feature more vertical concepts and spread looks compared to the run-heavy schemes of years past.
It’s also worth noting the personal attributes Lockett brings to the locker room. Known for his calm demeanor, high character, and strong work ethic, he’s a consummate professional—exactly the kind of presence Tennessee needs as it builds a new offensive identity. Lockett has been remarkably durable, missing very few games over his career, and he brings with him the experience of having played in high-stakes contests, including playoff games and primetime matchups.
For Lockett, the move to Tennessee represents a fresh start and a new challenge. After nine years in Seattle, he leaves as one of the most productive and beloved receivers in franchise history. The Seahawks’ recent focus on youth at the wide receiver position—with DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba forming the core of their future—made the split feel inevitable. But rather than riding into the sunset, Lockett clearly believes he still has more to give, and he’s betting on himself in a new environment where his leadership and skills will be both needed and valued.
The one-year nature of the deal reflects both the Titans’ short-term urgency and Lockett’s confidence in proving his worth. It gives the team financial flexibility while providing Lockett with the opportunity to play a prominent role in an offense that will likely rely on him from day one. If things go well, there’s always the potential for an extension. If not, both sides can reassess next offseason with no long-term commitments.
Tennessee fans should also be encouraged by what this signing says about the team’s competitive timeline. Despite the departures of Henry and Tannehill, and the presence of several young players on the roster, the Titans are not punting on the 2025 season. The Lockett signing signals intent—a belief that this team can compete in a winnable AFC South and potentially make noise as a wild card if the quarterback situation stabilizes.
Indeed, the AFC South is no longer the punchline it once was. With C.J. Stroud emerging as a star in Houston, Trevor Lawrence looking to rebound in Jacksonville, and Anthony Richardson returning from injury in Indianapolis, the Titans must evolve quickly to keep pace. Adding a veteran like Lockett is a step in that direction. It shows that while Tennessee may be retooling, they are doing so with purpose and precision, not desperation.
The Titans still have work to do, of course. The offensive line remains a concern, and there are holes on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary. But for a team hoping to develop a young quarterback, getting the receiving corps right is paramount. Lockett helps immensely in that regard, offering a steady presence and big-play capability that defenses will have to account for on every down.
As the draft approaches, the Titans now head into the most critical stretch of their offseason with a bit more clarity. They’ve addressed a major need at wide receiver without sacrificing future flexibility. They’ve added a leader. They’ve added a winner. And they’ve done it with a player who still has the talent to produce at a high level.
Tyler Lockett may be entering his 10th NFL season, but if there’s one thing his career has proven, it’s that he should never be underestimated. Time and time again, he has delivered when it mattered most, whether with acrobatic catches on the sideline, timely touchdowns in the red zone, or subtle plays that don’t show up in the box score but change the outcome of games.
Now, he brings that magic to Nashville, where a new chapter awaits.
In a league where wide receivers often age quickly and opportunities can vanish just as fast, Lockett has remained relevant, productive, and reliable. The Titans are betting that he still has enough left in the tank to make a difference—not just as a player, but as a culture-setter for a team that is learning how to win again.
One year. One mission. One shot to help change the trajectory of a franchise.
Tyler Lockett is a Tennessee Titan. And if history is any guide, he’s about to make it count.