Lions wide receiver Golden Tate is in somewhat unchartered territory when it comes to the world of NFL contracts.
The NFL vet who came to Detroit as a free-agent from the Seahawks signed a five-year deal with the Lions four years ago after a successful run in Seattle. A new deal and new money for Tate didn’t slow him down and he picked up right where he left off accumulating 1,000 in three of his four seasons with the Lions. And aside from being one of the most dangerous players after the catch, Tate displayed a remarkable ability to stay healthy having not missed a game since signing with Detroit.
In any sense, you’d think Tate would hold out for a new deal given his performance thus far which certainly isn’t unheard but rather expected when it comes to NFL players and their contracts. Thus that aforementioned unchartered territory for NFL players.
But that’s not the case for Tate, who intends to play out his remaining season with the Lions.
“I signed a five-year contract and I’m going to honor it,” Tate said after the team’s practice in Allen Park. “I love the game a lot. I want to be out here around the guys.”
Tate’s comments are commendable and I’m sure it’s something Lions fans and especially the front office will appreciate. However you can’t help but wonder if Tate is missing out on a golden opportunity (sorry for that lame ass pun) on inking a new longer term deal. As training camps kick off around the League there’s been plenty of hold outs (Earl Thomas, Aaron Donald, Le’Veon Bell) while the wide out market has been established after Jarvis Landry signed a five-year, $75.5 million dollar deal.
Tate will receive a new deal whether that’s with the Lions or someone else. But on the downside of 30-years-old once the season starts, making $6.2 million this year Tate is definitely rolling the dice on himself heading into the 2018 campaign.
