The Tennessee Titans are entering the 2025 NFL Draft with a fairly large need at wide receiver. Considering they plan to draft former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, the hole at receiver becomes even more important to address. Less than 24 hours before the first round begins, new general manager Mike Borgonzi made a free-agent acquisition in preparation of Ward's arrival.
The Titans have signed veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year contract, Lockett announced via his own social media. It's a one-year contract worth $4 million with an additional $2 million available via incentives, according to various reports.
Titans sign WR Tyler Lockett
I’m excited to be a Tennessee Titan!! I’m super thankful and grateful Let’s get it!! God you get all the glory!! #Thankful #Grateful #GodGetsAllTheGlory
— Tyler Lockett (@TDLockett12) April 24, 2025
Lockett immediately becomes the Titans' second-best receiver behind Calvin Ridley. Prior to his arrival, head coach Brian Callahan was overly reliant on unproven assets such as Treylon Burks, Jha'Quan Jackson, and Bryce Oliver. Lockett is also a perfect fit for Callahan's 11 personnel offense as the slot receiver. He'll play the same veteran role Tyler Boyd handled last season.
Lockett spent the first 10 seasons of his illustrious career with the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks released him from a bloated contract earlier this offseason. In 2024, Lockett recorded his worst statistical campaign, totaling 49 receptions for 600 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He became the distant No. 3 receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf.
Expectations for Lockett in Tennessee should be tampered. He's a 32-year-old receiver coming off the least productive season of his career. Think what Boyd gave the Titans last year, both from a veteran presence and experience standpoint.
Lockett should be a fantastic asset for Ward though. He's a reliable, veteran receiver who runs crisp routes. He's going to help Ward acclimate to professional football. Lockett will also be an exemplary presence for young receivers, including any prospects the Titans draft on Friday or Saturday.
As a multi-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Lockett will help Borgonzi's Titans reset the culture and expectations in the locker room.
Lockett's addition could slightly change the Titans' draft weekend plans. For example, the first receiver they draft probably shouldn't be a slot-only one like Xavier Restrepo. The Titans need to add a wideout capable of playing outside, specifically the "X" position. Prospects like Ward's old teammate Kyle Williams and Ole Miss' Tre Harris come to mind.
Lockett may have a stronger off-field impact, but Ward will really appreciate his veteran leadership and reliability. He'll be a terrific addition to the Titans regardless of his declining on-field production.