Tyler Lockett Ends Disastrous Titans Spell by Demanding Release

The first veteran departure from the Tennessee Titans is Tyler Lockett. He asked for, and was granted, his release on Monday. 

Lockett only had 10 catches for 70 yards in his seven games with the Titans. 

He was only targeted 21 times, the fifth most on the Titans. He has fewer targets than both rookie receivers, Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor (who has the most targets on the team).

Even players with fewer targets have been more productive. For example, Van Jefferson has 14 targets, but 12 catches for 140 yards. 

Rookie tight end Gunnar Helm and starting running back Tony Pollard both have more catches and yards than Lockett. 

With all these stats, it’s not surprising that the 33-year-old Lockett wants to join a new team. Despite being a childhood Titans fan, the veteran receiver wants and deserves more playing time and usage. 

At this stage in his career, joining a contender makes the most sense for Lockett. An option that has already been rumored is the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

The Steelers are reportedly interested in adding a wide receiver. They may be inclined to sign a free agent like Lockett instead of trying to trade for a receiver from another team. 

As for the Titans, things probably won’t change much regarding who’s catching passes and getting targets. In fact, it might benefit players like Ayomanor and Dike, who were already seeing more usage than Lockett. Now their roles in the offense can continue to expand.

This is especially true for Dike. His role for the Titans has been mainly as a kick returner. That was until Week 7, when the Titans were without star wideout Calvin Ridley, and it was Dike, not Lockett or anyone else, who stepped up and took on a bigger role in the offense. He finished with four catches for 70 yards and his first career touchdown.

The Titans exploited Dike’s speed by turning him into their main deep-ball threat. This was showcased in Dike’s touchdown, a 38-yard dime from Cam Ward. 

Will the Titans sign or trade for another receiver? For now, it seems like the answer is no. However, if Calvin Ridley has to miss more time with his hamstring injury, the Titans may be forced to sign a receiver, at least to their practice squad, since fan-favorite and practice squad mainstay, Mason Kinsey, would be in line for more in-game action.

The Titans also have another young receiver, Bryce Oliver, who has missed the last five games with a knee injury. He seems to be getting closer to returning to action and could see an expanded role if Ridley misses more time. 

It is probably better for the Titans to have their young players play and show what they can do. Since this season is unlikely to turn around, it makes more sense for the Titans to let veterans like Lockett seek playing time and winning elsewhere. At the same time, the younger talent gets more playing time and chances to develop into quality NFL players.