Let's face reality. The Buffalo Bills are having an issue at the receiver position. The positive is that the Bills will be buyers at the trade deadline, looking to improve their offense to help them achieve their goal of a Super Bowl run.
One way to help the offense is by adding a dynamic, two-way speed receiver who can contribute on offense and in the return game on special teams. One player who would fit in nicely with the Bills' current group of receivers is Tyler Lockett.
The long-time receiver had asked the Titans to release him, and it has been reported by Adam Schefter that Lockett would be a free agent on Wednesday, October 22, at 4 p.m. ET.
Veteran WR Tyler Lockett has asked for and received his release from the Tennessee Titans, per source. Lockett is expected to be free to sign with another team after 4 pm ET Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/GpDxmoOe3U
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 20, 2025
Why Tyler Lockett's signing could enhance the receiving core
Tennessee Titans in seller's mode while Bills are in buyer's mode
Lockett played his first 10 years with the Seattle Seahawks, during which he evolved into the team's second-best receiver in Hawks' history. This past April, the Tennessee Titans took a chance on the speedster by signing him to a one-year $6 million deal, but the Titans are in seller's mode for the second straight year and will be looking for a new permanent head coach in 2026.
Investing for Josh Allen while he's still in his his prime
Let's face it, Josh Allen will be a future Hall of Fame quarterback. Since being drafted in 2018, the Wyoming product has gone from a promising youngster to an all-star.
The reality is Allen is 29 years old, and while he still has a few good years ahead of him, he's not getting any younger. Right now, he can't play at his best when his current receivers can't get open for him.
While the Bills still want to embrace "Everybody Eats", they still need to find someone who is hungrier to make the splash plays and get open down the field. Lockett is a perfect fit, as he has a proven track record of multiple seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards and the ability to excel in today's dynamic kickoff style.
Lockett is a defensive mismatch
Lockett is a multidimensional receiver who you can line up anywhere on the field and expect him to make a play for Allen. He is most comfortable in the slot position, but he can also line up as an outside player and burn those cornerbacks one-on-one.
While some believe the Bills' big-play receiver is already on the roster in Gabe Davis, he has been injured all season and hasn't been game-day activated yet. While they could keep waiting for him to finally play in a regular-season game, getting Lockett would be a proactive move so that when Davis is back, you would have Lockett, Keon Coleman, and Davis as your three leading receivers.