Golden Tate trade fallout; Detroit Lions fans take to Twitter
Following the Detroit Lions trading away their leading wide receiver, Golden Tate, to the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, fans took to Twitter to react.
The Detroit Lions made a very controversial move on Tuesday, trading away the team’s leading wide receiver, Golden Tate, to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2019 third round draft pick.
Tate has been a stalwart for the Lions since joining the team back in 2014 as a free agent. He’s recorded an average of 93 receptions for 1,056 yards and nearly five touchdowns a season in Detroit prior to this year.
Originally drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame by the Seattle Seahawks, Tate would spend his first four seasons playing in the Emerald City. But he would never record more than 64 catches in a single season for the Seahawks.
When Tate arrived in Detroit, he instantly became a favorite target for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Even through seven games this year, Golden was the highest targeted receiver on the depth chart. Once again leading the Lions in receptions, Tate racked up 44 catches off of 69 targets for 517 yards and three scores. The next closest receiver in targets, second-year wideout Kenny Golladay, has 22 less looks than Tate with 47 targets.
But with a record of 3-4, the Lions are in the basement of the highly-competitive NFC North and somehow still just one win out of first place. Is now really the time to trade away your top receiving threat? Following the trade announcement, Lions’ fans took to Twitter to vent their frustrations, express sorrow for the loss, and to give their approval. Here’s what fans had to say about the Golden Tate trade …
I adore Golden Tate. He’s probably my second favorite Lion ever behind Calvin. This trade really hurts, but honestly it’s the right move.
— Daniel (@Teal_Lantern) October 30, 2018
I am not taking this Golden Tate news very well. In fact, I have cried twice. Who knew I could feel so invested in an NFL family!
— Amanda Spurlock (@amandaspurlock) October 30, 2018
Honestly hope the @Lions lose every game for trading Golden Tate. Patricia and Quinn don't deserve happiness if they are taking the most exciting player off the field for the team.
— Alex Porambo (@ap_rambo10) October 30, 2018
As much as I love Golden Tate, I think it's a good move in the long run. Dude will want more money soon. Instead of playing that game we got something from it.
— Patrick Hebda (@Pathebda) October 30, 2018
Man I hate that Detroit moved on from Golden Tate. That dude was their guy when Calvin retired, and if you really went and looked you’d see he did a better job than most guys would’ve in that position.
— Me (@RyanMurray1234) October 30, 2018
I guess Detroit doesn't like YAC. @ShowtimeTate Good luck in Philly. I'll miss seeing you in Honolulu Blue. I may not be an Eagles fan, but I'll always be a Golden Tate fan. #YACking #ThankYouTate
— Tommy Webber (@twebber001) October 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/TezzGoCrazy/status/1057396150607794177
The @Lions traded Golden Tate for a 3rd round Pick! Yeah I’m officially done supporting the organization!
— Cass Hefner (@CassanovaHefner) October 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/ThatsSOlillian/status/1057395963449483265
I'm gonna send a letter to the @Lions about how upset my boyfriend is about them trading Golden Tate because he's HIGHLY upset
— Carol Nat. (@xtinasparadise) October 30, 2018
Trading Golden Tate does not mean we are giving up on the season. When there’s deadlines there is deadlines. Tate was most likely going to leave due to us not offering him enough. Better to get something out of him than nothing. It was the right call.
— Matthew Stafford (@MatthewFed) October 30, 2018
Lions suddenly being run like championship franchise. dark. Next
Well, those are some of the best reactions via Twitter to the Detroit Lions trading away wide receiver Golden Tate to the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Philadelphia Eagles. How do you feel about this trade? Was it the right move for Detroit? Or was it the worst possible action considering the Lions place in the standings? Tell us in the comment section below.