The Seattle Seahawks are facing an uphill battle for the remainder of the regular season, with their playoff hopes now hanging by a thread. While their chances of reaching the postseason are slim, the front office is already looking ahead to next offseason, when tough decisions loom on the horizon.
One of the key issues will be how to handle the wide receiver position. Sunday’s breakout performance by former first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba has shown that he deserves a more prominent role in the offense, even with veteran receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett still in the mix. With that in mind, the team could be facing the difficult reality of parting ways with one of their established stars, potentially as a salary cap casualty.
An analysis by Bleacher Report’s scouting department suggests that cutting one or both of Metcalf and Lockett could be a strategic move. According to Over The Cap, the Seahawks could save $17 million by cutting Lockett after June 1 and slightly more than $18 million by cutting Metcalf. This scenario could push Seattle to turn to the draft to add depth at wide receiver, with one potential target being Tre Harris from Ole Miss.
While it’s unlikely the Seahawks would part with Metcalf, Lockett’s situation is more precarious. At 32 years old, his production has noticeably declined over the past season and a half, especially as Smith-Njigba’s target share continues to be underutilized. Cutting Lockett and saving $17 million could be a logical financial decision, though it’s also possible the team could look to re-sign him to a more team-friendly deal if he’s open to taking a pay cut.
As for Harris, the 6-foot-2, 204-pound receiver from Ole Miss, scouts believe he could be a perfect fit for the Seahawks’ receiving corps. Harris has been a standout this season, leading the nation with 59 receptions and 987 yards, along with six touchdowns. In total, he has accumulated 3,489 yards and 28 touchdowns across his college career, including three years at Louisiana Tech before transferring to Ole Miss.
Although Seattle’s immediate priority may be upgrading the offensive line, the possibility of adding a big, physical wide receiver like Harris could help round out the roster and address some of the team’s needs. It remains to be seen how the Seahawks will manage their cap space and draft resources in the coming offseason, but cutting Lockett and investing in Harris could provide a fresh, cost-effective approach at wide receiver.