The Seattle Seahawks and Tyler Lockett appear to be heading toward a split this offseason, making it likely that the NFC West team will look to add an explosive wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Lockett’s uncertain future isn’t the only factor influencing Seattle’s draft strategy. The Seahawks also face an impending decision with DK Metcalf. Signed through the 2025 season, the Pro Bowl receiver will soon be seeking a contract extension. Could this affect Seattle’s short-term decision-making processes?
Seahawks Select Utah State’s Jalen Royals in NFL Draft
PFSN’s Ben Rolfe sees an intriguing opportunity for the Seahawks in Round 3, predicting they will take a chance on Utah State standout Jalen Royals with the 82nd overall pick in his recent seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft.
Royals possesses elite speed — he was a high school high jumper and reportedly ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.32 seconds. He also built a reputation as a precise route runner at Utah State, capable of creating separation and making plays in space.
Rolfe wrote, “Royals has been one of the most impressive receivers in college football despite suffering a season-ending foot injury. He should be able to showcase his talent during the pre-draft process, having dominated at Utah State over the past two years. His athleticism and ability to win every rep make him a standout prospect with significant NFL potential.”
Before his injury, Royals recorded 55 receptions for 834 yards in seven games last season. Over three seasons at Utah State, the six-foot, 205-pound receiver totaled 126 catches for 1,914 yards and 21 touchdowns. His 15 receiving touchdowns in 2023 led the Mountain West Conference.
READ MORE: Rolfe’s 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Given the uncertainty surrounding Lockett and Metcalf, Seattle could be forced to address the wide receiver position in the draft. Royals appears to be an ideal solution.
Rolfe added, “It very much seems like the Seahawks and Tyler Lockett are headed for a separation, meaning they need another wide receiver. Additionally, DK Metcalf is set to be a free agent after next season, so the Seahawks must think about both the short- and long-term outlook at the position. Jalen Royals provides value on both fronts.”
Evaluating Tyler Lockett’s Future in Seattle
Lockett appeared to hint at a farewell during his locker clean-out day in Seattle. The 32-year-old thanked several members of the Seahawks organization, from athletic trainers to the team nutritionist, before deferring contract discussions to his agent.
The art of @TDLockett12 running routes. 🎨 pic.twitter.com/TPEiOpV5kT
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) February 18, 2025
For Lockett to remain in Seattle, he would likely need to accept a pay cut and restructure his contract. Otherwise, the Seahawks could release him, as he is due a $5.3 million roster bonus on March 16.
“It’s easy to say that we want you back, but you’ve still got to be able to have those conversations and figure out what’s going to work and what’s not going to work, what’s the role going to be,” Lockett said, via ESPN’s Brady Henderson.
He added, “All I can really do is enjoy the fact that I’m about to have a girl and learn how to take care of her and two dogs. From there, I’ll just let my agent talk to them and see what they want to do.”
Lockett is coming off one of his least productive seasons, finishing with just 49 receptions for 600 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. However, he remains a key figure in Seahawks history, ranking second all-time in franchise history in receptions (661), receiving yards (8,594), and receiving touchdowns (61).