NFL NOTEBOOK

Seahawks releasing Tyler Lockett

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks released Tyler Lockett on Wednesday, parting ways with the franchise’s second all-time leading receiver in a cost-cutting move ahead of the new league year.

Lockett, a 10-year veteran, caught 661 passes for 8,564 yards and 61 touchdowns in Seattle, trailing only Hall of Famer Steve Largent in all three categories on the team’s career list.

Yet Lockett’s production dipped in each of the past two seasons. He finished with just 894 yards receiving in 2023, a number that fell to just 600 in 2024, his lowest mark since 2017.

Lockett’s salary cap number was scheduled to balloon to more than $30 million in 2025. Cutting him frees up about $17 million in cap space.

Metcalf demands trade out of Seattle

D.K. Metcalf wants out of Seattle.

A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that the longtime Seahawks wide receiver has asked for a trade. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the request was not announced publicly.

Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowler, has caught 438 passes for 6,324 yards and 48 touchdowns in six seasons with the Seahawks.

The 27-year-old Metcalf has one year remaining on his current contract, which has three voidable seasons after 2025. He’s currently scheduled to count nearly $32 million against the salary cap next year.

Metcalf’s request was made public on the same day Seattle cut veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett in a salary cap-saving move.

Eagles keeping linebacker Baun

All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun is staying with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Super Bowl champions announced Wednesday they’ve agreed on a three-year deal with Baun through the 2027 season. A person familiar with the details told The Associated Press that Baun’s contract is worth $51 million, including $34 million guaranteed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms weren’t released.

Baun, who mostly played on special teams for the New Orleans Saints, was a key part of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit last season in his first year in Philadelphia.

He had 151 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks and one interception in the regular season and also had a pick against Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles’ 40-22 victory in the Super Bowl last month.

Baun finished fifth in voting for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, earning two firstplace votes.

He would’ve been a free agent next week but passed up an opportunity to test the open market to remain in Philadelphia.