The Seattle Seahawks might find value in a potential blockbuster trade ahead of the 2024 NFL draft. In a speculative trade scenario presented by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Seahawks could consider trading wide receiver Tyler Lockett, their 2024 first-round pick (16th overall), a 2024 fourth-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Tennessee Titans. In return, the Seahawks would acquire the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The rationale behind this hypothetical trade is the Seahawks potentially securing their next franchise quarterback by moving up in the draft.
The suggestion to trade up in the 2024 NFL draft is fueled by the idea that the Seattle Seahawks could target a quarterback like LSU’s Jayden Daniels, who may not be available at their current 16th overall pick. The proposal is to be aggressive and move up in the draft by trading wide receiver Tyler Lockett, the 2024 first-round pick (16th overall), a 2024 fourth-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for the seventh overall pick.
The rationale is that top quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are likely to be selected early in the draft, and if the Seahawks stay at No. 16, they may miss out on the opportunity to land a difference-maker like Jayden Daniels. The article points out that while Lockett is still a quality No. 2 option, he is showing signs of decline, turning 32 years old in the 2024 season, and his recent statistics have been on the decline.
The proposal suggests that to secure a potential franchise quarterback and address the team’s future needs, the Seahawks should consider being proactive and moving up in the draft.
Tyler Lockett currently has two years remaining on his four-year, $69 million contract, with nearly $32 million left in base salary. However, the Seahawks have the option to part ways with Lockett in the offseason, incurring a dead cap hit of just under $19.8 million but saving $8 million in cap space.
In the proposed trade scenario, both teams would achieve their objectives. The Seahawks would be in a favorable position to select their future franchise quarterback, while the Titans would acquire significant draft capital and an experienced wide receiver in Tyler Lockett to support the development of their second-year quarterback, Will Levis.
As Knox emphasizes, this hypothetical trade could be a win-win, with Seattle addressing their quarterback needs and Tennessee gaining valuable assets for the future.
The Seahawks are in need of a new franchise quarterback due to several factors.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 2023 first-round pick, is already positioned as the potential starting receiver opposite DK Metcalf. Despite playing as the No. 3 receiver, the 21-year-old had an impressive rookie season with 63 receptions, 628 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
While Geno Smith is currently under contract for another two years, he is approaching 34 years old and may have reached his peak performance. Following a standout 2022 season where he earned a Pro Bowl selection and Comeback Player of the Year honors, Smith regressed to average levels in the 2023 season, ranking in the middle of the pack in key passing categories such as touchdowns, passing yards, and passer rating. This decline suggests the Seahawks need to secure a new franchise quarterback for the future. Smith will likely be a member of the Seahawks’ roster for the 2024 season, but drafting his eventually successor is at the top of Seattle’s to-do list entering the offseason.