3 wide receiver trades that could shake up the Patriots in 2023
By Jared Koch
Option One: Make a deal for the veteran Seahawk
When it comes to consistent production at the wide receiver position, none do it much better than Tyler Lockett. The eight-year Seahawk could be the perfect addition to New England this season.
Lockett is entering his age-31 season after his fourth straight season totaling over 1,000 receiving yards. In each season since 2019, Lockett has caught over 70 passes, and gotten at least eight touchdowns, all while playing at least 16 games in each of those seasons.
If there was ever an organization that values consistent production over a long period of time, it’s the New England Patriots. When you combine Lockett’s availability with the talent he’s brought year in, and year out, it’s almost like Lockett could play well for any team.
While Lockett is on the older side for a receiver, he’s proven to still be able to play at a high level. In addition, he’s on a pretty team-friendly contract until 2025, so it’s not like the Patriots would be “stuck with him” if this hypothetical deal doesn’t work out.
If the Seahawks were to show any willingness to deal Lockett, the Patriots should jump on it.
While the structure for a deal like this may be a bit difficult to forecast, it seems like a deal that looks something like this gives out good value for both sides.
For New England, you acquire Lockett to create a very respectable WR core in Tyler Lockett, JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, and Tyquan Thornton. While KB is a great player, with the acquisition of Lockett, he most likely would find himself again underutilized for another season. Dealing him off to Seattle in this scenario gives him the opportunity in Seattle, along with the Seahawks getting back a receiver of value.
The Seahawks also acquire a third-round pick for an aging receiver. As a result, the Seahawks can continue to add to their stockpile of picks and potentially draft a receiver in this draft or next.
Based on financial and contractual reasons, this deal would most likely occur after June 1st. This would reduce Lockett’s dead money for the Seahawks from $21 million to $7 million.