San Francisco 49ers Consider Tyler Lockett Trade Amid Injury Woes

The San Francisco 49ers may be sitting comfortably at 5-2, but that hasn't stopped speculation about whether the team could look to bolster its roster before the trade deadline.

The San Francisco 49ers currently hold a solid 5-2 record this NFL season. However, ongoing injury concerns on both offense and defense have sparked speculation about possible roster moves before the trade deadline, particularly the potential acquisition of veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett, recently released by the Tennessee Titans.

• San Francisco 49ers grapple with injuries to key players such as Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, and Brandon Aiyuk.
• Tennessee Titans have granted veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett’s release request; he is free to sign with other teams after Wednesday afternoon.
• CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani suggests the 49ers among five teams potentially interested in adding Lockett. Other teams include Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks.
• Lockett’s recent production has declined; he has caught only 10 passes for 70 yards in seven 2025 games with the Titans, following a steady decline since his 2021 peak season.
• Possible options for Lockett’s next team include a return to the Seahawks, joining the Raiders, Steelers, Patriots, or the 49ers to provide veteran presence amid injuries.

Injury challenges force 49ers to consider roster changes

Despite a strong start to the season, the 49ers have faced significant adversity from injuries. Defensive stalwarts linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa are sidelined due to ankle and ACL injuries, respectively, weakening the defense. Offensively, quarterback Brock Purdy has missed time due to a toe injury, while wide receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee), Jauan Jennings (ankle, shoulder, ribs), and Brandon Aiyuk (ACL and MCL) have either missed games or remain uncertain for future returns.

Ricky Pearsall, who led the 49ers in receiving early in the season, has been out since Week 4 with his knee injury, while Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk’s availability remains limited. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is cautiously monitoring Pearsall’s progress ahead of Week 8, highlighting the ongoing concerns over depth in the receiving corps.

Tyler Lockett’s release from the Tennessee Titans

On the other side, veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett, age 33, asked for and was granted his release from the struggling Tennessee Titans. Signed in April to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, Lockett was brought in to add leadership amid a young receiving group and help rookie quarterback Cam Ward adapt to the NFL. However, Lockett's impact was minimal, with just 10 catches for 70 yards over seven games while playing less than half of the team’s offensive snaps.

The Titans are currently 1-6 and recently dismissed coach Brian Callahan, signaling organizational challenges beyond individual player performance. Lockett’s release opens the door for him to sign with other teams after 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, setting the stage for speculation about potential landing spots.

Potential new homes for Tyler Lockett

CBS Sports analyst Jordan Dajani identified five possible teams that could benefit from Lockett’s experience and presence as they navigate their own needs at wide receiver:

• San Francisco 49ers: Despite the team not having wide receiver as their most urgent need, the injury struggles in their receiving corps could prompt adding another veteran target. Lockett’s familiarity with West Coast football and potential leadership value make him a plausible candidate.

• Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders’ offense has struggled with consistency, and star receiver Jakobi Meyers could be traded by the deadline. Reuniting with former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll could provide Lockett with a familiar coaching environment.

• Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers' passing game ranks in the league's lower half, with only DK Metcalf surpassing 187 receiving yards so far. Lockett could bring veteran stability alongside young talent and a reliable presence for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

• New England Patriots: Mike Vrabel’s squad ranks ninth in the NFL in passing yards per game. Lockett could complement receivers like Stefon Diggs and emergent talent Kayshon Boutte and provide a veteran target to help quarterback Drake Maye.

• Seattle Seahawks: Lockett’s original team has some young wide receivers leading the group, and although his return isn’t a certainty, Seahawks GM John Schneider has expressed openness to possibilities. A homecoming could be fitting for the franchise’s second all-time leading receiver.

Declining production and career outlook

Lockett’s career has been distinguished by productivity, having finished his decade with Seattle as the franchise's second-most prolific receiver with 661 catches for 8,594 yards and 61 touchdowns, trailing only Steve Largent. However, his output has declined steadily over the past four seasons, culminating in a modest 49 catches for 600 yards and two touchdowns in 2024.

The 2025 season has seen further diminishment, with only 10 receptions for 70 yards through seven games. At 33 and dealing with natural athletic decline, Lockett’s capacity to influence games significantly has waned. Nevertheless, his veteran leadership, knowledge, and locker room presence retain high value to teams seeking experience.

What lies ahead for Tyler Lockett and the 49ers?

While Lockett’s on-field impact may no longer match his peak years, the veteran receiver offers intangible benefits that teams in transition often covet. The 49ers, leading the NFC West despite injury woes, could look to capitalize on this opportunity to bolster their depth before the trade deadline.

For Lockett, the choice underscores an uncertain but hopeful phase of his career. Whether returning to his longtime home in Seattle to retire as a franchise legend or signing with another team eager for veteran presence, his next move will be closely watched.

In conclusion, the 49ers sit at a crossroads—strong in the standings but vulnerable due to injuries. Adding Tyler Lockett would be a strategic move blending experience and depth amid a challenging midseason stretch. His availability marks one of the more intriguing developments in the NFL trade market as the deadline approaches.

Questions and answers

Q: San Francisco 49ers trade rumors 2025

A: As the 2025 NFL season approaches, rumors around the San Francisco 49ers suggest possible trades focused on strengthening their offensive line and adding depth to skill positions. While no official moves have been confirmed, speculation includes potential trades involving draft picks and young players to acquire veteran talent. The 49ers are likely prioritizing roster flexibility to remain competitive in a strong NFC West division.

Q: Tyler Lockett release and next team

A: Tyler Lockett has not been officially released, but if such a move were to occur, several teams with a need for a reliable and versatile wide receiver could pursue him. Potential landing spots include contenders looking to bolster their receiving corps, such as the Kansas City Chiefs or Las Vegas Raiders, where his experience and chemistry with quarterbacks could be valuable. Any release would likely come with salary cap considerations and team strategy in mind.

Q: NFL wide receivers available before trade deadline

A: Before the NFL trade deadline, teams often look at wide receivers available either via trades or free agency to address injuries or depth concerns. Players with expiring contracts or those on the fringe of starting lineups can become trade targets. The availability varies weekly, but veterans and promising younger receivers can emerge as options, with teams like the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins frequently monitored for potential receiver moves.

Q: Injury impact on 49ers 2025 season

A: Injuries can significantly impact the San Francisco 49ers' 2025 season, especially given their reliance on a strong defense and versatile offense. Key player absences may affect team chemistry, depth, and performance in critical games. However, the 49ers typically emphasize conditioning and depth chart readiness to mitigate such impacts, making recovery and player health management essential for sustaining competitiveness throughout the season.

Q: Potential landing spots for Tyler Lockett

A: If Tyler Lockett changes teams, potential landing spots would be franchises needing a dependable wide receiver with strong route-running and veteran leadership. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, or even the Philadelphia Eagles could benefit from his skill set. Landing spots depend on salary cap space, team needs, and Lockett’s willingness to fit into new offensive systems.

Key Entities

San Francisco 49ers: The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area, competing in the NFL's NFC West division. They have a storied history, including multiple Super Bowl championships and a reputation for a strong defensive and offensive lineup.

Tyler Lockett: Tyler Lockett is a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL, known for his speed, route running, and reliable hands. He has consistently been one of the Seahawks' primary offensive weapons since entering the league.

Tennessee Titans: The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, competing in the NFL's AFC South division. Their team features a balanced offense and a strong running game, often led by standout players in skill positions.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks are an NFL team located in Seattle, Washington, competing in the NFC West division. They are known for their passionate fan base and distinctive defense, often referred to as the 'Legion of Boom' during their peak years.

Jordan Dajani: Jordan Dajani is a journalist and reporter who covers the NFL and various sports topics. He provides analysis, news updates, and insights on football teams and players.

External articles

• San Francisco 49ers Injury Report
• San Francisco 49ers Injury Status
• 49ers injury updates: Another pass rusher sidelined

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Published: 17 hours ago