Golden Tate Expects To Remain With Lions Despite Trade Rumors

Earlier in the day, Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reported that the Lions have been receiving calls from teams interested in trading for WR Golden Tate.

According to Pelissero, it’s unlikely Detroit trades Tate at this point unless they get blown away by an offer, the team has at least been fielding calls for him. Pelissero adds that a mid-round pick such as a fourth-round selection could be enough to convince the Lions to move him.

Tate was asked about the possibility of being traded and said he expects to stay in Detroit.

“I don’t think so,” Tate told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I feel like I’m a huge part of this organization and this offense especially, so hopefully that’s not the case. But again, I do understand it’s a business and if it happens then, you know, depends on where they send me.”

In fact, Tate mentioned that he’s optimistic that they can get a long-term deal done, as they’ve moved “closer” to an agreement since the start of the season.

“Ask (the front office about it), and then I’ll speak on it,” Tate said. “But I don’t want to be the one — I don’t want to draw too much attention in season to all that stuff.”

The Patriots are reportedly among the interested in teams in Tate.

Tate, 30, is a former second-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2010. He played out his rookie contract in Seattle before signing a five-year, $31 million contract that included $13.25 million with the Lions.

Tate stands to make a base salary of $7 million for the 2018 season before becoming an unrestricted free agent next year.

In 2018, Tate has appeared in seven games for the Lions and caught 44 passes for 517 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He has also rushed for 42 yards on three carries.