Seahawks’ former star Tyler Lockett plans to sign with AFC cellar dweller, says NFL insider
Tyler Lockett, the longtime Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, is reportedly planning to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite their current struggles with a 1-6 record, the Raiders hope that Lockett's leadership and experience can provide the offensive spark they desperately need. The move follows Lockett’s brief and underwhelming stint with the Tennessee Titans, where he recorded just 10 receptions for 70 yards in seven games.
“It’s been a roller coaster,” Lockett said about his time with the Titans. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I’m excited to be moving on to a place where I can contribute and help a team get back on track.”
The Raiders, ranked 31st in scoring offense, are hoping that Lockett’s reunion with former Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and head coach Pete Carroll will reignite the offense. Lockett, 33, has proven to be a steady force in Seattle, and his relationship with both Smith and Carroll is expected to be a major asset as the Raiders try to turn around their season.
“It feels good to be back with Geno and Pete,” Lockett shared. “We had some great years together in Seattle, and I know what they’re looking for. I’m just focused on making plays and helping this team get back on track.”
With the Raiders struggling to find consistency, Lockett’s presence is seen as a stabilizing factor for their young receiving corps. “It’s about mentoring the younger guys, showing them how to handle the ups and downs of the NFL,”
This move marks a significant chapter in Lockett’s career, as he returns to work under the guidance of the coach who drafted him. The Raiders will look to Lockett to bring both stability and a competitive edge to their offense as they look to make a late-season push. Lockett is determined to play a key role in helping the Raiders find their rhythm.
Dodgers' 'nine man guessing game' dilemma could hand the Blue Jays the World Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced one major problem for most of the year: the bullpen. At one point during the regular season, the bullpen was the Dodgers’ worst nightmare. That’s also why Roki Sasaki was moved to the bullpen on such short notice. For the World Series, the Dodgers are without one of their top bullpen arms, Alex Vesia.
“Alex Vesia is off the World Series roster and not on a bereavement list that would allow him to return between three and seven days, by the way. The Dodgers will try to secure another championship without one of their most trusted relievers,” ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez wrote.
Not only will the Dodgers be without Vesia, but they will also be missing their top offseason addition, Tanner Scott. Scott was unable to make the World Series roster after coming back from a minor procedure.
“Regardless, Scott hasn't shown enough to rush him back to the Fall Classic roster, and the Dodgers might just be better off without him, especially with the emergence of Roki Sasaki to take the ball during high-leverage situations,” SI’s Gabe Smallson wrote. “With his struggles as of late and however long it will take him to ramp up, it appears unlikely fans will see Scott in the World Series.”
With all of this going on, MLB insider Jon Heyman believes the Toronto Blue Jays have an advantage.
“The LA pen was filled with big names with bigger reps to start the season, but Tanner Scott, Evan Phillips, Kirby Yates, Michael Kopech and Brusdar Graterol are all out with injuries. What remains is a nine-man guessing game,” Heyman wrote. “Dodgers manager Dave Roberts seemed reluctant to employ his bullpen in previous rounds, and this performance, with the first eight batters LA’s pen faced driving in nine runs, can’t aid his confidence in the group."
There’s no hiding the fact that the Dodgers’ bullpen is a major concern. Each game, it’s unclear who can be relied upon.
If the Dodgers are to lose this series, it very well could be due to bullpen blunders. Either Roberts guesses the right arm at the right time, or the team could suffer blowup innings in the worst way possible.
