Tyler Lockett spent a decade in Seattle before being released this offseason. Landing in Tennessee, the veteran receiver is eager to experience new surroundings.
"I'm excited about it," Lockett said on Tuesday, via the Titans' official website. "I've been at the same place for 10 years, and now this is a new atmosphere, a new building, you are learning everybody's names, and you are trying to [find] ways where you fit in. ... But it's exciting, being a Titan now. My dad has told me it's refreshing to go to a new place because it challenges you, and you learn a new way. I'm looking forward to what's next."
The 32-year-old signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Titans, bringing experience to the receiving corps for No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.
Lockett is coming off a season in which he generated just 600 yards on 49 catches with two touchdowns in 17 games, well below his production from the previous six seasons, when he averaged 1,030 yards, 79 catches, and eight TDs.
The veteran doesn't believe Father Time curtailed his output last season. Lockett reiterated that he'd sacrificed some production for the betterment of the club.
"I understand the politics of the game, I understand sometimes there are so many things you need as a receiver to work out just for you to be able to get the ball," he said. "But there is so much more that people don't see that teams require and that teams need, which is the leadership role, or that selfless character, or different stuff like that. Sometimes it's not about stats, but it's about how you build each other up. So, for me, I sacrificed a lot of stuff last year (in Seattle) for the better of the team, and I just believe that is what you want to do in order to be able to try and help the team be at its best."
The Seahawks focused on getting former first-rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba more involved last season and wanted to keep DK Metcalf happy. Those plans might have come at Lockett's expense.
The wideout isn't heading to Tennessee to prove he still has juice left or to hit any major goals. He's a Titan to help Ward and others turn a listless program into a winner.
"So, coming here, I know that I can still play," he said. "I don't think I need to prove that to anybody. I just need to continue to build in a healthy way and not try to waste my time trying to do all this proving people wrong, because sometimes it works out for you, and sometimes it just adds extra stress."
