Should the Detroit Lions give Golden Tate a new deal?

Following the contract extension of New England’s Julian Edelman, Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate hopes he’s the next to receive a raise.

Since signing a five-year, $31 million contract with the Detroit Lions back in 2014, wide receiver Golden Tate has been the one of the NFL’s most consistent performers. In three years, the former second round selection out of Notre Dame has averaged 93 receptions, 1,074 yards and nearly five touchdowns a season.

Yet, Tate’s teammate, wide receiver Marvin Jones, actually makes more than him. Jones posted just 55 catches, 940 yards and four touchdowns in his first year in Detroit last season. According to Spotrac.com Jones is slated to make a base salary of $7 million this upcoming season, while Tate’s base is set at just $6 million.

So is it any wonder why Tate might be itching to get a new deal done in Detroit after hearing that the New England Patriots recently gave wide receiver Julian Edelman a two-year, $11 million dollar extension. Following that news, here’s what Tate tweeted on Thursday.

So the question is does Tate deserve a new deal? The 28-year old wide out is still under contract with the Lions for the next two seasons. He is slated to make $6 million this season and $7 million the next. but is the former Seattle Seahawk being underpaid for his production?

Last season, Tate recorded 91 catches for 1,077 yards and four touchdown. He was tied for the 10th highest reception total in the NFL. Let’s look at the other NFL receiver he was tied with and the wide out ranked directly behind him in 2016.

Indianapolis Colt’s wide out T.Y. Hilton posted 91 receptions for 1,448 yards and six scores in 2016. And Denver Broncos’ receiver Demaryius Thomas had 90 receptions for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns.

Hilton signed a six-year, $65.5 million deal in 2015 and is scheduled to make $8 million this season. That’s $2 million more than Tate. Thomas inked a five-year, $70 million contract two years ago and should make a whopping $8.5 million in 2017.

According to these numbers, the Lions are getting one heck of a deal for Tate. Unfortunately, the biggest obstacle in the veteran wide out getting an extension in Detroit could be his quarterback.

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Matthew Stafford is entering the final season of his massive five-year, $76.5 million deal he made back in 2013. The Lions will surely want to get the 29-year old gunslinger locked up long term sometime this offseason. After which, it’s unclear if the team would have the salary cap space to extend Tate as well, even if his performance deserves it.