After weeks of speculation, the Eagles finally made a move. Would it be a running back? A defensive tackle? An offensive lineman? The answer was 30-year old wide receiver, Golden Tate.
It’s been real DETROIT! I’ll love ya forever. Philly Philly let’s get it!!
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) October 30, 2018
The Eagles are set to trade a third-round pick in exchange for Tate in a move that can only be described as smart. Here’s everything you need to know.
THE PLAYER:
Here’s a profile on Tate, published by our writer Jay Smoot earlier today:
Despite playing in one less game than most of the league due to an early bye week, Tate currently ranks 24th in the league in receiving yards with 517 yards on 44 catches. The elusive wideout is as reliable as they come, snagging 90+ receptions in each of the past four seasons. The athleticism and speed of Tate would add an explosive layer to Doug Pederson’s offense that has been lacking a bit so far this season, and the reported cost of a mid-round pick is an absolute steal for a player of Tate’s caliber. Having just turned 30 in August, Tate shouldn’t be viewed as solely a rental either, as he is young and talented enough to produce with Wentz for at least a few more seasons. If the Lions decide to wave the white flag on the 2018 season, expect Roseman, who is projected to have two fourth rounders at his disposal, to be among the first to call.
Well, Roseman was. Acquiring the 2010 second-round selection is a strong business move. With 581 receptions for 6,936 yards, and 37 career touchdowns in 129 games, Tate has proven himself to be among the best slot receivers in the game. In fact, since signing with the Lions in 2014, he’s the first ever Detroit player and seventh in the NFL to post 90 receptions in four consecutive seasons.
The Super Bowl champion and pro bowl talent also leads the NFL in YAC since 2014. The Eagles needed a speed guy or someone to drive home into the open-field and Tate ticks that with a stunning amount of certainty.
THE COST:
A third-round pick isn’t exactly expensive and considering the Birds actually have a pair of second’s ahead of the next offseason, it’s a small price to pay. At 30-years old, Tate will cost the Eagles just $3M against the cap before being labelled a free agent.
Now this is key, because Nelson Agholor will be entering his fifth-year option phase which could cost $9.5M. That’s a lot for a receiver who has been used in the weirdest of ways in 2018 after such a stunning breakout. It’s likely that the Eagles would opt to move on from Agholor and instead retain the services of Matthews and Tate, providing a unique one-two punch in the slot with the versatility to move outside.
What do you think of the move? Let us know in the comments!
THE CONTRIBUTION:
This likely means that the team aren’t overly confident in the return time for Mack Hollins or Mike Wallace. A trio of slot receivers on the team creates some interesting matchups offensively and we’ve already seen what all three of them can do at the ‘Z’ position. Expect Tate to flex between the Slot and outside spots over the next few games.
Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
