The Las Vegas Raiders signed veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett earlier this week. Following Lockett’s release from the Tennessee Titans, his landing spot is unsurprising given his lengthy history with Pete Carroll. It also captures everything wrong with the Raiders right now.
Lockett requested, and was granted, his release from the Titans. Ironically enough, one of his final appearances for the Nashville-based club occurred in the Raiders’ Week 6 victory over the Titans.
Why the Raiders are bringing in Lockett is beyond comprehension. They’re 2-5 and headed for a wasted campaign. The Titans, who have one of the worst receiving cores in the league, found no use for Lockett. He recorded a pathetic 10 receptions for 70 yards (7.0 yards per catch!) in limited action in Tennessee.
Lockett requested his release partially because he was forfeiting playing time to rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor. That’s what a rebuilding squad does, they play their young players ahead of past-their-prime veterans. Meanwhile, are the Raiders bringing Lockett in to play ahead of rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr.? That would be a gross mismanagement of assets.
Smith’s past chemistry with Lockett also doesn’t justify this. There’s a legitimate chance Smith isn’t the Raiders’ quarterback next season. If he is, he should be developing chemistry with Bech and Thornton, receivers who were drafted to be long-term solutions. Lockett obviously isn’t that.
The Raiders continue to sacrifice long-term development for short-term gratification. Except there’s no instant gratification, just disappointment. Carroll continues to prioritize “his guys” over the long-term health of the franchise.