- The Tennessee Titans have the #1 pick in tonight’s NFL Draft.
- After taking calls about their pick, the Titans have decided to stay put and keep their #1 pick.
- In the clearest indicator that they’re taking a quarterback, the Titans signed free-agent veteran receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year deal.
The Tennessee Titans were the worst team in the NFL last season, finishing with a 3-14 record. The New York Giants also had a 3-14 mark, but the Titans had a worse strength of schedule. That earned Tennessee the top pick in tonight’s NFL Draft.
Teams had inquired about trading for Tennessee’s pick, but the Titans are holding strong. They made a move late Wednesday night that gives the biggest hint about whom they’re taking at the draft.
Lockett Signs One-Year Deal Worth $4 Million After Decade in Seattle
NFL.com reported the news just after midnight on Thursday morning that Lockett would sign with the Titans.
The veteran wide receiver also announced the news on his X account:
Lockett was released by the Seattle Seahawks, who took the 32-year-old out of Kansas State with the 69th pick in the third round of the 2015 draft. He made first-team All-Pro in 2015, and second-team All-Pro in 2016 and 2017. Lockett also made the Pro Bowl in 2016, and was the NFL kickoff return yards’ leader in 2017.
The receiver leaves Seattle after 134 games, 661 catches for 8,594 yards and 61 touchdowns. Lockett holds Seattle records for most catches in a season (100 in 2020), and other special-teams records.
The Titans signed Lockett to a one-year deal worth $4 million, which could rise to $6 million with incentives.
How Much Will Lockett Help the Titans?
The Titans had taken calls about trading the #1 pick, but it was reported on Tuesday that they were holding on to it. After signing Lockett, the Titans have given the biggest hint yet as to which way they’re leaning for Thursday’s draft. NFL Draft odds have Miami’s Cam Ward going first to Tennessee, and our NFL mock draft also has Ward heading to the “Music City”.
Lockett is a veteran wide receiver that can help the rookie quarterback if the Titans select him. The Will Levis era is all but over in Tennessee, although the Titans could keep him as a backup to Ward, or even a starter until Ward gets up to speed in the NFL. Lockett joins Calvin Ridley, but except for those two, the Titans’ receiver group don’t have much experience, or that much talent.
This is a solid move by the Titans, if they are taking Ward, which it seems like they are. If you’re going to draft a rookie quarterback, you need talent around him. The Titans could also improve their offensive line in the draft as well. It looks like there is a plan in Tennessee now, although it appeared that way with Levis. Tennessee fans are hoping that Ward can be the difference-maker for their franchise, and signing Lockett is a step in the right direction.
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