The New England Patriots’ current top need for the rest of the offseason is at wide receiver. That means they will likely be linked to any availablefree-agentt receivers going forward.
A more recent report, from Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, suggests the team is linked to former Seattle Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett.
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Not too long ago, the team put fellow receiver D.K. Metcalf on the trade block and released Lockett. Both receivers were valuable pieces to the offense last season but were overshadowed by young receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
With a wide receiver room filled with unproven youngsters, the Patriots would benefit greatly from having Lockett on the roster, despite him no longer being a number one or even top number two option at the position.
The 332-year-oldreceiver was drafted by the Seahawks in the third round back in 2015. He has never been an elite receiver but has always been a reliable one, no matter who is at quarterback.
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Lockett is coming off a 6600-yardreceiving season, earning only 74 targets and catching 49 passes. He received over 100 targets in the previous five seasons.
His best season came in 2020, where he put up 100 receptions on 132 targets for 1054 yards and ten touchdowns.
In a less crowded receiver room talent-wise, Lockett could slot in as a reliable 100-target guy, despite being on the decline. He also has 61 career touchdowns, making him a potential red-zone threat despite his shorter stature.
Another added bonus of Lockett is he is really good at staying healthy. During his 10-year career, he has only missed one game, back in his second NFL season. Otherwise, he has played in every game, starting in at least 14 games every season dating back to 2018.
Lockett wouldn’t solve the current receiver problem fully, but his veteran presence at least would be valuable, even if he didn’t produce a whole lot on the field.
The Patriots have also been linked with Stefon Diggs recently and could be interested in someone like Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan in the NFL draft.
The front office is still likely perusing the trade market, but the options are getting fewer as the draft approaches. Adding someone like Lockett may be the best option for the team currently.
Tyler Lockett may not be an elite receiver by any means at this point in his career, but he would still provide a lot for the team as a veteran receiver who consistently stays healthy and makes plays.
It is hard to imagine finding many other better options than that currently on the wide receiver market, especially at a cheap price.
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