The Golden Tate trade rumors have amped up really over the past few hours.
Earlier today, NFL.com made mention that the Lions could be looking for a mid-round pick for Tate while Ian Rapoport further mentioned that the New England Patriots could be looking to deal for Denver’s Demaryius Thomas or Detroit’s Golden Tate prior to tomorrow’s 4 pm ET NFL trade deadline.
Tate though didn’t seem to be buying what Rapoport was trying to sell.
What you talking about Willis?
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) October 29, 2018
Tate further made mention to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he’d be ‘surprised’ if the Lions decided to move him ahead of the deadline.
Via theScore:
“I don’t think they’re going to trade me. If they do, I’ll be surprised but it’s a business so I guess we got a few hours. A few hours and we’ll see,” Tate said to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
“I expect to be here and I want to be here. But we’ll see.”
Even if the Lions don’t trade Tate it’s going to be hard to see them bringing him back or the two sides agree to any kind of money offered for the aging wide-out. Despite leading the team in receptions (44) and receiving yards (517) this season, Tate at this point could very well be that odd man out considering the money already being designated to Marvin Jones and Theo Riddick. Plus you have to assume that Kenny Golladay will continue to become a bigger part of the passing game heading into next season. Without all that considered, it’s going to be hard to imagine big money being offered to a receiver on the wrong side of 30 when there’s already presumable enough pieces in play.
