Locked Up: Seattle Seahawks Sign Tyler Lockett to Contract Extension

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks signed wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a three-year contract extension Wednesday, locking up a major contributor who could have been a free agent after the season.

A former All-Pro selection as a kick returner, Lockett's rookie deal was set to expire after the 2018 season, but he opted for the security of staying in Seattle over seeing what was available on the open market.

"Everything that I need has been here," Lockett said. "They traded picks to come and get me. They showed that they wanted me here."

Lockett has appeared to be back at full speed after playing last year at less than 100 percent following a gruesome broken leg suffered late in the 2016 season. Lockett also played through a knee injury most of the 2017 season, but still appeared in all 16 games and had 45 receptions for 555 yards and two touchdowns.

Throughout his career, Lockett has been one of the top kick returners in the league. He was limited in returns last year because of the injuries, but has averaged nearly 26 yards per kickoff return with two touchdowns over three seasons.

Lockett said his loyalty to Seattle was partly due to the Seahawks allowing him to be more than a returner.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.