The 2025 NFL offseason has gotten underway as teams release veteran players with heavy contracts on their team as they prepare to get under the cap or add more cap space. The Seattle Seahawks are releasing Tyler Lockett, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are releasing Christian Kirk.
Two veteran wide receivers will be looking for a new home for the 2025 season as they’ve been released by their respective teams. Ten-year veteran Lockett will be playing his football elsewhere for the first time in his career, while Kirk will be playing for his third team in his seven years as a pro.
Tyler Locket and Christain Kirk Released
Both Lockett and Kirk Were Coming Off Of Down Seasons in 2024
Lockett finished the 2024 season with 49 catches for 600 yards. Those numbers for Lockett were his lowest in seven seasons. Lockett, known for his deep speed, was playing through injury in 2024, but with the Seahawks being over the cap, big names on their roster were going to be released, and Lockett was one of them.
Kirk, like Lockett, had an injury-prone season with the Jaguars. Kirk only played eight games in 2024 and finished the season with 379 yards due to a broken collarbone. In 2022, the Jaguars signed Kirk to a four-year $72 million deal, and in three seasons as a Jag, he will finish with 2,274 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His deal during free agency essentially reset the receiver market, as Kirk was among the highest-paid receivers at the time. After being originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, Kirk will be looking for his third NFL team since he has been drafted.
Because both receivers provide a deep threat, teams will be interested in their services. Lockett has also been a long-time return man in Seattle, so his special teams value would also be of good use for his next team.
Teams Who Could Be Interested in Christian Kirk and Tyler Lockett
The Las Vegas Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers are two teams that have been actively looking for receiver talent over the past year. Lockett would be a nice fit in Las Vegas as Pete Caroll, the coach who drafted him in Seattle, would be able to reunite with him. Kirk would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh as a solid veteran who could provide a big-time play ability that could take advantage of his opportunities on the other side.
Lockett could also play for a division rival, the Los Angeles Rams, who will also be looking to receive help this offseason. The Cincinnati Bengals will also be a good option for both players, as their receiving core is up in the air.
Where Do the Jaguars and Seahawks Go From Here?
The Jaguars already have a centerpiece in the receiving room with Brian Thomas Jr, who they drafted last season. They could look to the draft again to keep building out that room. The new head coach, Liam Coen, comes from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and could look to lure the Buccaneers’ free agent, Chris Godwin, to Jacksonville to play for him once again.
Seattle has a new offensive coordinator in Klint Kubiak, so he will have the chance to evaluate receivers that fit his system. One player who could fill the speedster role is Tutu Atwell, who is a free agent with the LA Rams.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
