The Seattle Seahawks are contemplating a significant trade ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. In this proposed “hypothetical” scenario, Knox suggests that the Seahawks could benefit by 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 exchange for the seventh overall pick in the upcoming draft. The rationale behind this proposal is the potential for the Seahawks to secure their next franchise quarterback by moving up in the draft.
Knox advocates for Seattle’s aggressiveness in pursuing a quarterback in the draft. While acknowledging that top prospects like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye may be out of reach, Knox believes that LSU’s Jayden Daniels could be a viable option. Despite Daniels being ranked 24th on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department big board, Knox suggests that the Seahawks might need to move up, and a trade with the Titans could position them ahead of the Falcons at No. 8.
The argument for the Seahawks to move up in the 2024 NFL Draft stems from the realization that prominent quarterbacks like Williams and Maye are likely to be selected within the first few picks. If the Seahawks remain at their No. 16 pick, they may have to settle for a second-tier quarterback like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. To secure a true difference-maker at quarterback, Knox contends that the Seahawks should be motivated to trade up.
Despite Tyler Lockett’s history as a quality No. 2 option for Seattle, his declining performance is evident as he approaches 32 years old during the 2024 season. In the 2023 season, Lockett’s statistics dipped, recording his lowest receiving yards and touchdowns since 2017. Lockett still has two years and nearly $32 million remaining in base salary on his four-year, $69 million contract. However, the Seahawks have the option to move on from Lockett this offseason, incurring a dead cap hit of just under $19.8 million while saving $8 million in cap space.
Knox emphasizes that the proposed trade would benefit both teams, positioning the Seahawks to select their future quarterback while providing the Titans with valuable draft capital and an experienced wide receiver, supporting the development of second-year quarterback Will Levis.
The need for a new franchise quarterback for the Seahawks is underscored by the presence of 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba, waiting in the wings as the opposite starting receiver to DK Metcalf. Despite Smith-Njigba’s promising rookie season, the Seahawks’ current quarterback, Geno Smith, is on the verge of turning 34 and likely approaching his performance ceiling. After a standout 2022 season, Smith regressed to average levels in 2023, indicating the importance of drafting his eventual successor as a top priority for the Seahawks in the upcoming offseason.
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