The Tennessee Titans signed veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year contract prior to the 2025 NFL Draft. The hope was that Lockett would provide veteran leadership and production to the offense. The on-field results indicate that hasn't been the case.
Lockett has been totally unproductive. The experienced pass-catcher has registered just eight receptions and 52 receiving yards in six games this season. Lockett has recorded one-or-fewer catches in four appearances.
Lockett was initially signed to play the notable "slot receiver" in Brian Callahan's 11 personnel offense. With Callahan being fired earlier this week, the Titans have even less use for Lockett now. In recent weeks, his snap count usage has made their opinion of his diminishing skill set crystal clear.
Titans keep making their opinion of struggling WR Tyler Lockett painfully obvious
The first sign that indicated the Titans' coaching staff had soured on Lockett arrived in Week 5. From the week prior, Lockett saw his snap count downgraded from 36 to 17. He was out-snapped by rookie receiver Chimere Dike 33-17.
That trend continued throughout the embarrassing Week 6 defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders, the final straw for the Callahan era. Lockett played 20 snaps, having been out-snapped by Dike 34-20. With the Titans in full-blown rebuild mode under interim head coach Mike McCoy, expect the staff to continue prioritizing playing time for rookies like Dike.
Lockett was signed to a one-year contract. Thankfully, the Titans aren't committed to him beyond this season. In addition to hiring a head coach this offseason, Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker will be tasked with aiding Cam Ward's development by acquiring additional talent at wide receiver.
The 1-5 Titans should consider permanently benching Lockett. There's no benefit to playing the 33-year-old wideout. Recent usage (or lack thereof) on offense indicates the Titans are beginning to realize that.