The New England Patriots advanced to 5-2 at the expense of the now 1-6 Tennessee Titans, who already fired coach Brian Callahan after Week 6. While the Titans have a promising future with quarterback Cam Ward and rookie wide receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike, their current squad doesn't have much of a chance to win anything.
Understandably, veteran players might be frustrated, and that's clearly how Tyler Lockett felt after catching just ten balls in seven games. He requested and was granted his release this week.
When the 33-year-old signed with Tennessee, it seemed like he might be the veteran slot option so many young quarterbacks tend to have success with. Instead, he was buried in the depth chart behind rookies and Van Jefferson.
Lockett may not be the player he once was, but there's little doubt he still has NFL football left in him. He had 79 grabs just two years ago, and even in a down 2024, he still managed 49 catches for 600 yards while the WR3 behind D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This is a smart, savvy NFL veteran who's had real production, including four career 1,000-yard seasons and a 100-catch year in 2020.
Tyler Lockett could be an interesting addition to the Patriots
Despite a solid top four options, CBS's Jordan Dajani suggests the Patriots still pursue Lockett, citing that his presence could help Maye gear up for his MVP run and help push the squad's No. 9-ranked passing offense to new heights.
The Patriots' wideouts have performed better than expected. Stefon Diggs is on pace for over 1,100 yards and looks back to his old self as the high-volume target. Kayshon Boutte has exploded with four touchdowns in seven games, more than he had in his first two seasons combined, and has been a tremendous deep threat. Mack Hollins has been used primarily as a blocker but has had a pair of touchdowns to his name, and Pop Douglas's performance against the Saints revitalized his season.
Rookie Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III have had minimal opportunities. Plays that target Williams always seem to look disjointed, while Chism has been used as a kick returner in the absence of Antonio Gibson. Adding Lockett to the active roster would likely mean parting ways with one of these six options, which isn't justifiable. The veterans have been good, and releasing either a third-round rookie or the kick returner is nonsensical.
Instead, signing Lockett to the practice squad with the promise of immediate gameday elevations might be the best move. He wasn't a factor for the first half of the season, so warming him back up and letting him familiarize himself with the playbook could be a smart move. He'd offer an experience level similar to that of Diggs', but as a more slot-centric option.
As the team looks to succeed this year, giving him snaps over the rookies in the short term could be a way to improve the passing offense further.
Lockett will have suitors, but it seems unlikely they will be able to offer him a major role. A return to Seattle shouldn't be ruled out, but Lockett being added to the practice squad would add a veteran presence and depth to an already overperforming receiving corps.