Is Jake Lockett Not Returning in Chicago Fire Season 14? Here’s What We Know About His Character
ake Lockett’s Exit From Chicago Fire Confirmed
After two standout seasons on Chicago Fire, actor Jake Lockett has officially exited the series ahead of Season 14. The Texas-born actor, who brought the complex and hot-headed Sam Carver to life, won’t be returning due to budget cuts at Wolf Entertainment, according to Deadline.
Lockett joined the NBC hit in Season 11 and quickly became a fan favorite, balancing Carver’s sharp edge with a vulnerable heart. His absence marks one of the biggest cast changes in Season 14, alongside reduced appearances from Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter.
Who Was Sam Carver?
Introduced as a former academy rival of Stella Kidd, Sam Carver arrived at Truck 81 with both skill and attitude. His early days were marked by fiery clashes, disciplinary hearings, and emotional walls that Kidd eventually helped him break down.
Beneath his tough exterior, Carver carried deep personal pain. In one of his most revealing moments, he admitted to Kidd, “The fire’s the only thing that I can control.”
Over time, he became a dependable firefighter, a steady hand under pressure, and a mentor to the rookies who reminded him of his own turbulent beginnings.
A Complicated Romance With Violet Mikami
Carver’s relationship with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) was one of the show’s most tender subplots. Their chemistry built slowly, from quiet glances on calls to moments of raw honesty during life-or-death rescues.
By Season 13, their connection deepened as both characters wrestled with personal trauma and professional challenges. Their romance, however, wasn’t without strain—Carver’s struggles with sobriety and fear of relapse often stood in the way of happiness. Still, in the Season 13 finale, he finally found the courage to tell Violet how he truly felt.
How Sam Carver’s Story Ends
In his final Chicago Fire appearance, Carver reconciled with Violet and made the life-changing decision to transfer to Denver for a fresh start. The move brought closure to his story, tying together his search for redemption, self-control, and peace.
Showrunner Andrea Newman described his departure as “bittersweet but true to his journey,” explaining that Carver’s arc had always been about growth and self-forgiveness.
Season 14’s premiere subtly acknowledges his absence through Violet’s flashbacks, showing how much his influence lingers in Firehouse 51.
Why Jake Lockett Left Chicago Fire
According to reports, Lockett’s exit was driven by production-wide budget cuts. Rising costs and contract renewals prompted NBC and Wolf Entertainment to trim the ensemble cast. Unfortunately, Carver’s storyline reached a natural endpoint at the same time, making his exit both a creative and financial decision.
Lockett bid farewell to fans on Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes photos and writing, “Thank you for letting me bring Carver to life. He’ll always be part of 51—and part of me.”
What’s Next for Firehouse 51
Carver’s departure leaves a gap on Truck 81, one the show is already filling with Brandon Larracuente joining the cast as Sal Vasquez, a bold new firefighter whose confidence and energy mirror Carver’s early days.
Whether Vasquez becomes the next big personality—or the next troublemaker—remains to be seen. But for now, Sam Carver’s legacy lives on in the lessons, laughter, and loyalty he left behind at Firehouse 51.