Over the years, Chicago Fire has parted ways with plenty of beloved characters, but some exits have resonated more deeply than others. Jake Lockett’s departure is one of them. The actor joined the NBC drama in Season 11 as the warmhearted, charismatic firefighter Sam Carver, only to leave at the conclusion of Season 13 in 2025. Daniel Kyri, who had played Darren Ritter since Season 7, exited the series at the same time as the show prepared for a leaner Season 14. That has left fans wondering why Carver’s time at Firehouse 51 came to an end.
The most widely suspected explanation is a cost-cutting strategy by Wolf Entertainment and NBC ahead of the official renewals for the One Chicago franchise, according to Deadline. Similar changes have reportedly affected other Wolf Entertainment productions on NBC. On Law & Order: SVU, for example, longtime favorite Ice-T has appeared less frequently amid financial restrictions. Fans of Chicago P.D. also faced a major shock when LaRoyce Hawkins left the series at the start of Season 14 after appearing since its debut. Deadline could not confirm that Lockett’s exit was directly tied to budget concerns, and NBC, Universal TV and Wolf Entertainment all declined to comment. Still, the timing and broader pattern of cast turnover make finances the most plausible explanation.
The situation was further complicated by the fact that contracts for several veteran Chicago Fire actors were nearing renewal. With multiple deals coming up for discussion, the network and production companies were likely forced to reassess which cast members were essential to the show’s future and which characters could be written out.
Sam Carver returned to Firehouse 51 for a short visit
Carver’s storyline provided Chicago Fire with an emotional reason for his departure. Throughout Season 13, he battled to maintain his sobriety while growing closer to Violet Mikami, played by Hanako Greensmith. In the season finale, Carver explains that he plans to transfer to a firehouse in Denver, Colorado, because he fears remaining in Chicago could jeopardize his recovery. Before leaving, he and Violet admit they love each other, giving the couple a heartfelt farewell while also leaving viewers hoping their story was not truly over.
Although Carver was no longer part of the regular cast when Season 14 began, Lockett returned for a guest appearance in Episode 11. He travels back to Chicago to help bring a paramedic training initiative created by Violet to his Denver firehouse, giving the former couple a chance to reconnect. Their chemistry is still evident, but Violet has begun a relationship with Sal Vasquez, portrayed by Brandon Larracuente, making the reunion more complicated. Even so, she is relieved to discover that Carver is doing well and continuing to thrive in recovery.
Carver leaves Chicago once again at the end of the episode, and he has not returned to the series since. His story, however, may not be finished. Speaking with TVLine in 2025, Season 14 showrunner Andrea Newman addressed the departures of Lockett and Daniel Kyri, saying there was still plenty to explore with both characters. She added that the show hoped to deliver meaningful surprises, goodbyes and possibly future reunions. For fans of Sam Carver, that leaves the door open for Jake Lockett to make another appearance on Chicago Fire down the line.