Silver And Black Pride
There was a need for a veteran wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders. Inking Tyler Lockett — a 33-year-old 11-year vet — certainly fits that bill.
But one can’t escape that head coach Pete Carroll seems hellbent on a getting the band back together the desert, doesn’t he?
The Silver & Black added Lockett officially this past Monday after the receiver asked for his release from the Tennessee Titans last week. In a corresponding move, the Raiders waived wide receiver Justin Shorter.
Lockett joined the Titans a one-year, $4 million contract in free agency after spending 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, who drafted him out of Kansas State in the third round (69th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. Thus, Carroll is well aware of what the 5-foot-10, 182-pound wideout brings to the table.
Lockett’s arrival brings Las Vegas’ wide receiver room to six. Lockett is the elder statesmen of the group followed by Alex Bachman who is 29. Then comes Jakobi Meyers (28) and a trio of receivers under 25: Tre Tucker (24) and rookies Jack Bech (22) and Dont’e Thornton Jr. (22).
Let’s explore the pros and cons of Lockett’s addition:
Familiar face. Carroll isn’t the only person in the Raiders’ building who knows Lockett. Quarterback Geno Smith spent six seasons (2019-24) with the Seahawks and knows well what the veteran wide receiver is capable off. The duo of Smith and Lockett connected for 220 passes, 2,613 yards, and 16 touchdowns during their respective tenures in Seattle. Of those six seasons, Carroll was the head honcho for five of them.
There’s built-in trust that Smith has with Lockett and that’ll help the quarterback who is tied for the league lead in interceptions thrown at 10. Lockett will need to lock into the Chip Kelly offense in Las Vegas but the wide receivers arrival can help not only Smith but Kelly, too.
Timing target. Lockett’s route running ability can help improve the timing of the Raiders offense that’s been disrupted frequently. The veteran’s body control and ability to get in and out of breaks with precision should give Smith an option to go to quickly when things go awry. While he may not be as fast as that 4.40 40-yard dash time he posted at the 2015 NFL Combine, Lockett showcased the technique, short area quickness, and football intelligence to make himself available to the quarterback. Of Lockett’s career 671 receptions, 402 have gone for first downs.
Trade facilitation. Meyers has made it no secret he demanded a trade. He originally sought a new deal to remain a Raider beyond this season but things have gone quiet on both fronts. Perhaps the addition of Lockett — namely how the wide receiver performs — facilitates the move from Meyers? Meyers is the second-most productive pass catcher for Las Vegas hauling in 29 passes for 329 yards with no touchdowns in the six games he’s started so far. The NFL trade deadline is November 4.
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