Detroit Lions: Golden Tate deserves a contract extension

2018 is the final year of Detroit Lions receiver Golden Tate’s five-year deal. Now he deserves an extension that keeps him in the Motor City for years to come.

On March 12, 2014, the Detroit Lions signed former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate to a five-year, $31 million contract. Looking back now, Tate has proven to be one of the best free-agent signings for the Motor City in recent memory. 2018 will be the final year of Tate’s current contact with the Lions which brings up the question, does he deserve a contract extension from Detroit?

This is a no-brainer, of course he has.

Tate has had over 90 receptions in every season so far in Detroit. And he has racked up over 1,000 receiving yards in three of his four seasons with the team. He is undoubtedly one of the best in the NFL in yards after catch.

Since coming to the Mitten, Tate has become one of the most dangerous slot receivers in the league. Of course having a talent like Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing you perfect passes has definitely helped out a bit, too.

Tate is a winner, he truly loves the game of football and it shows. Already with one Superbowl ring in his trophy case, Tate has been very vocal about wanting to bring the city of Detroit a championship.

"When asked about his future with the team, Tate told DetroitLions.com, “hopefully we can get something done this year. I’d love to spend the rest of my career in Detroit. I like where Detroit’s going, and I love the city and I love our fans. Hopefully, we get it done. We’ll see.”"

As Detroit enters their next chapter with newly hired head coach Matt Patricia, the time is now for the Lions to evolve to the next level as competitors. The time is now, and Tate deserves to be apart of the Motor City’s future success.

Highlights

One of Tate’s most memorable plays in Detroit came during the 2016 season when the Lions made an unbelievable comeback to defeat the Minnesota Vikings on the road.

Tate catches a 71-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford against the Green Bay Packers in the final game of the 2017 NFL regular season.

And of course, one of the most memorable plays from the 2017 season. Tate throws a 2-point conversion pass to Matthew Stafford. Although the two teams were just playing for bragging rights at this point, Ford Field nearly exploded after this one.

With 19 touchdowns in four years, Tate plays a major factor in Detroit’s offense. Keep in mind, Tate is only 29 years old, he still has a lot of gas left in the tank. He has become one of the locker room leaders, who carries himself like a champion on and off the field. He is a player that young guys like wide receiver Kenny Golladay will be able to learn a lot from.

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Tate has proven himself more than worthy of a contract extension. Lions general manager Bob Quinn knows that as well, there’s no way he will let Tate walk after next season. Lock him up and pay that man what he has rightfully earned.