In addition to the Patriots’ Demaryius Thomas interest ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, the team is also “particularly interested” in Lions wideout Golden Tate, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
Tate’s in the final season of a five-year contract, and earlier Monday a report indicated a fourth-round pick may be sufficient to pry Tate from Detroit. Rapoport notes Thomas remains of interest to the Pats as well. The trade deadline is at 3pm Tuesday.
Around $3.7MM remains on Tate’s contract. The Patriots hold more than $5MM in cap space, additional room created by restructuring Jason McCourty‘s deal earlier this season.
The Lions, who beat the Patriots in September, aren’t necessarily surefire sellers. They’re 3-4 and one game out of an NFC wild card spot and still in the hunt for an NFC North title, although they certainly shouldn’t be considered the favorites in a stacked division. But with Marvin Jones and the emerging Kenny Golladay in the fold, it’s harder to see them keeping Tate beyond 2018. No substantial discussions about an extension between the Lions and Tate are known to have taken place.
Although, Tate said Monday talks have occurred, telling Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press he and the Lions are “closer” on an extension. Though, Tate has been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers during his Lions stay and would be a sought-after commodity on the market, perhaps commanding more than $12MM per year in free agency. He’s making less than $7MM per year on his Detroit deal. He does not expect to be traded.
“I don’t think so,” Tate said (via Birkett), on whether or not he believes he’ll be dealt. “I feel like I’m a huge part of this organization and this offense especially, so hopefully that’s not the case. But again, I do understand it’s a business and if it happens then, you know, depends on where they send me.”
The interest New England has in these veteran wideouts stems from the unreliability of Josh Gordon, Michael Giardi of NFL.com notes (video link). Gordon’s already run into moderate trouble with his new team; the Pats are set to bench him to start Monday night’s game because of tardiness. The team isn’t sure what it will get from Gordon, per Giardi, which is why the Pats are giving hard looks to other available vets.
Tate spends much of his time in the slot for the Lions. The Patriots have Julian Edelman back but could surely make their offense work with Tate in the fold. Tate has 44 receptions for 517 yards and three touchdowns this season. The Lions and Pats have a natural pipeline, with Bob Quinn having worked with Bill Belichick in New England.
I think that would be a good edition for them
Great analysis
Some comments just don’t have the same impact without the drum roll.
One of two teams I could think of that would hurt his value (fantasy purposes only) for me…. Patriots and Eagles. His target share will drop tremendously and be wildly unpredictable….. damn it! That being said, it’d be an interesting fit in NE, presuming they ask Tate to move out wide, with Edelman in the slot. Tate has been doing a lot of work as a slot receiver this season…. although he’s no slouch on the outside either.
Gordon’s already in trouble? Tardy? Nah, can’t be. His nickname is Flash.
Oh, now I get it, he got in trouble in a flash. Glad he’s gone from Cleveland.
Gordon’s departure from the Browns will allow them to draft someone with the nickname “Flush”….as in “my career is about to go down the toilet”.
Like Gordon flushed his
Tate on the Pats would be lights out.
Edelman
Tate
Gordon
Gronk
White
Michel
It’s funny when people need to list a lineup or a group of receivers based on hypothetical trades. As if everyone doesn’t already know who the Pats and everyone else has
I’ve burned you a few times and that’s the best you got?
Hogan…..
no hogan is good
lions should be sending a pick to get-out of the contract – 4M
Only way Tate or Thomas go to NE is if their respective teams agree to take a late round pick. Brady can throw to anyone and have success that’s why they only trade when the price is right for them. More likely to see them brig a defender or two on the cheap than a top available WR
that would be good for the pats