The Detroit Lions may strengthen their offense by making a key move to support quarterback Jared Goff.
The 2025 free agency period has already been intense, and the Lions have been actively reshaping their roster. Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes, and their staff are adding new talent while cutting others to manage their budget.
One area that could use reinforcement is wide receiver. Although the Lions have strong options in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Tim Patrick, additional depth could be beneficial, particularly for Goff.
Sports Illustrated’s Christian Booher suggested on March 12 that the Lions should pursue free-agent receiver Tyler Lockett, who could be an ideal fit for Goff.
“Lockett is one of the most productive wide receivers still on the board, and could be a big weapon for Detroit’s offense,” Booher explained. “Most of his production has come from the slot, which is a position that Amon-Ra St. Brown currently handles for the Lions.”
He added, “However, St. Brown has the versatility to kick outside in the event that the team were to add Lockett. He’d be worth a shot on a one-year contract that would allow the Lions to see if they could maximize his talent in his age-33 season.”
Lockett was released by the Seattle Seahawks on March 5 after spending 10 seasons with the team. His long tenure was notable, but he played a reduced role last year. In 2024, he managed just 49 receptions for 600 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games.
Although Lockett, a Kansas State alum, had a down year and is aging, he still holds potential. His veteran presence could also be valuable to younger players. From 2019 to 2022, Lockett posted four straight 1,000-yard, eight-touchdown seasons, followed by 79 receptions, 894 yards, and five touchdowns in 2023.
“His production has dipped off in recent years, with the 2024 season being his lowest amount of receiving yards since his second NFL season,” Booher observed. “However, he’d be worth a shot on a one-year contract that would allow the Lions to see if they could maximize his talent in his age-33 season.”
Lockett could have a resurgence in Detroit, and he wouldn’t be overly expensive. Spotrac estimates a one-year, $7.7 million contract for him. Currently, Over the Cap reports that the Lions have about $52.8 million in cap space.
While St. Brown, Williams, and Patrick form a solid receiving corps, additional depth is always valuable. Adding Lockett to John Morton’s offense could be the key to keeping Detroit’s attack among the league’s best.
