Lions Sign Golden Tate

Twenty-four hours into the free agency period, the Detroit Lions made their first signing, and it was a big one.

The Lions agreed to a five-year, $31 million deal with former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate. $13.25 million of his deal is guaranteed money.

Tate, 25, played an integral role on the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks’ offense last year, finishing with 64 receptions for 898 yards and five touchdowns. The Notre Dame product was a second round pick by the Seahawks back in 2010.

Tate tweeted about the signing shortly after the news broke:

 

Michigan State fans may have bitter flashbacks of Tate from when he swan-dove into the Michigan State marching band in a game back in 2009.

Tate is credited with some of the best hands in the NFL. He has seven career drops in his entire four year career.

The Lions have made it known that they would address the wide receiver position this offseason, and they may not be done after Tate. Reports this week have rumored that the Lions are intrigued by the idea of trading up in the draft to select receiver Sammy Watkins out of Clemson, who is one of the highest-rated prospects in the entire draft.

The Lions still have some cap room to do some more shopping in free agency. Both center Phil Costa and fullback Henry Hynoski are visiting Allen Park this week and would be cheap signings for the team.


Michael Higer is the host of Lions Den for Impact Sports.