Detroit Lions: 3 free agent gambles at wide receiver

Golden Tate, WR

While the 32-year old Golden Tate is certainly not the player he was when the Lions traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2018, he likely still has enough left in the tank to compete for a starting role on this depth chart.

After all, Tate was an absolute beast for the Motor City during his near five-year run. He posted three 1,000-yard plus years in Detroit and never recorded less than 90 receptions in a full season. The YAC King would certainly be welcomed back by the Lions’ fanbase with open arms.

Tate started just four games for the New York Giants last season battling through various injuries and was even benched at one point reportedly due to his frustration about lack of usage. Tate ended up recording 35 receptions off of just 52 targets (the lowest since his rookie season) for 388 yards and two scores in 2020.

If the new regime in Detroit are looking for players with grit and an edge, look no further than Tate, who should bring with him a chip on his shoulder the size of New York.