New England Patriots Interested in Sleeper Veteran WR

The New England Patriots are in the midst of a wide receiver overhaul after striking out on high-profile targets like Chris Godwin and DK Metcalf.

With their sights now set on bolstering the position around Drake Maye through free agency or trades, the team is exploring a mix of veterans to complement their roster. Among the names in consideration is a former All-Pro wideout recently cut loose by his longtime team.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Patriots have former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett “on their radar” as a potential free agent pickup.

Lockett, a 10-year NFL veteran, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record that could help fix New England’s pressing needs at the position.

The Patriots recently hosted Stefon Diggs for a visit, but no deal has been finalized. Should Diggs sign elsewhere, Lockett emerges as a compelling alternative.

Selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by Seattle in 2015, Lockett spent his entire career with the Seahawks, earning one All-Pro nod, one Pro Bowl appearance, and an impressive stat line over a decade. His career totals include 8,594 receiving yards and 61 touchdowns on 661 receptions, with a remarkable run of consistency from 2019 to 2022, where he posted four consecutive seasons with over 1,000 yards and at least 107 targets each year.

However, Lockett’s tenure in Seattle came to an end following the 2024 season, a year that marked a significant dip in production. With 600 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 49 receptions—his lowest output since 2017—the Seahawks opted to move on, prioritizing youth and cost savings with the rise of Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

While his 2024 numbers reflect a down year, Lockett’s experience and reliability could still prove valuable for a Patriots team desperate for stability at wide receiver.

New England’s current receiving corps is largely composed of young players who have yet to fully establish themselves in the NFL. Adding a veteran like Lockett could serve a dual purpose: providing a dependable target for Maye while offering mentorship to the team’s young talents both on the field and in the locker room. The Patriots wouldn’t be banking on Lockett to replicate his peak All-Pro form, but his presence could bring a steady influence to a position group in flux.

As the New England Patriots continue to scour the market, Lockett represents a practical solution—a bridge between the immediate needs of the present and the development of the franchise’s future stars.

With the wide receiver room in dire need of reinforcement, signing Lockett could be a strategic move to stabilize the offense in 2025.