Getty Image / Jane Gershovich
It’s exciting times for the Seattle Seahawks as they aim to capitalize on their success from last season.
However, the franchise finds itself in the news cycle for a completely different reason and it has NFL fans calling foul.
According to Adam Schefter, the Seahawks have made Tyler Lockett’s Real Estate Company, LivNServe Real Estate, an official team sponsor.
Seahawks’ WR Tyler Lockett’s real estate team, LivNServe Real Estate, is now the “official realtor” of the Seahawks, making Lockett what might the first player whose company is an official sponsor of the team on which he plays.https://t.co/9KrgkQShcR pic.twitter.com/zuUDEC58QT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 4, 2023
Look, that’s a pretty cool situation for Lockett. Not only does he play for the Seahawks, but his company is also an official sponsor.
However, that is the exact reason why NFL fans are so unsure about this announcement.
Many suggest Seattle may be circumventing the salary cap with this sponsorship deal. Even NFL talking heads are bringing it up.
There is no doubt that the league is hearing from several teams asking the same question right now..
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) May 4, 2023
Maybe Tyler Lockett should’ve waited until retirement to do this deal with the Seahawks.
Salary cap violation imo.
— Chill Rich Dude (@jakep316) May 4, 2023
It wouldn’t be surprising if the league looked more into this situation.
Couldn’t this have weird cap-related drama? Like, player X is signed for the league minimum but his business is the official…
— Joe (@_JWA16_) May 4, 2023
Nothing is getting by NFL fans.
Seems like this could have salary cap issues. Like, what if he’s getting under-market rates for his sponsorship and in return is taking a smaller salary? In theory, this sounds great. It could be a way to circumvent the salary cap though.
— David Graves (@dgraves11) May 4, 2023
Meanwhile, Seahawks fans do not seem to care. They’re just happy for Tyler Lockett.
— HOT TAKES ANA (free agency WE MOVE) (@FootballGirlAna) May 4, 2023
For now, the sponsorship deal between the Seahawks and Tyler Lockett’s company is finalized. Even though fans are questioning the situation.
Perhaps the NFL will look more into this decision by Seattle. But that will only happen if the league feels the franchise may actually be circumventing the salary cap.
Lockett’s current deal was signed in 2021 for four years $69 million. He’s set to be a free agent in 2026.
It’s unclear whether or not the Seahawks tried to circumvent the salary cap with this sponsorship deal with Tyler Lockett. But NFL fans are clearly questioning the decision.